Rating: 
Summary: The Best
Review: I really enjoyed this movie. First of all, it was about a horse. Secondly, it was done well. I read the book before I saw the movie too, so that sort of ruined it a little, but I don't care. If you love horses, even if you don't like horse racing, go see it. I cried at the end and I'm not ashamed. So, if you go see it and you cry, don't worry about it. It does you some good. Sorry, I couldn't write anything about what it's like. Go see it to find out.
Rating: 
Summary: Pops
Review: The United States in the 1930's and 1940's was an innocent time as compared to the world we now live in. Yet the story of Seabiscuit still has resonance, meaning and pathos even for our jaded and chaotic times for it is a story of conquering insurmountable odds and taking advantage of second chances.
A couple years ago with Laura Hillenbrand's novel (Seabiscuit: An American Legend), we were once again reminded of a time in the United States when soup kitchens, the WPA, the CCC, FDR, the Stock Market Crash of 1929, the subsequent Depression were the unavoidable facts that affected lives and the race horse, Seabiscuit was revered as the emblem of what little was right in the world.
Gary Rossï's version of Hillenbrand's novel goes for the heart and the common humanity in all of us and re-tells the true story of a racehorse that became a genuine National hero: a hero in the same league as The Babe or Joe Di Maggio.
Though the basic story is very strong, Ross goes for the easy, melodramatic route too many times to make this film superior. Robert Redford covered much of this material in The Horse Whisperer, and to better effect. One of the major flaws is the voice over narration, which works in the PBS documentary "Seabiscuit"because of the limited time and resources available to the TV filmmakers. But Ross had many millions to work with and here the voice over (though, as usual beautifully intoned by David McCullough) is a cheap, pandering effect. Film is all about "show me" Not "tell me." In may cases, Ross not only uses the voice over but also the images to get his point across which translates into a hammering over the head effect that treats us, his audience like dunces. We get it Ross...enough already!
Tobey Maguire's soulful performance as Red Pollard, the jockey who rides Seabiscuit to many of his wins, is all about the eyes. Because it's through Maguire's deeply troubled and horribly sad eyes that we experience a life wracked with physical and psychic injury. Maguire's Red is more sinned against than sinning and though emaciated in physique as well as spirit, he always manages to dust himself off and begin again.
"Seabiscuit"could have been a great film but as it is it's merely a good one. Its sentiments are old-fashioned, out of style...yes. But its heart is in the right place and as such, it cannot be ignored.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Movie Worthy of The Oscar!!
Review: In the days of fluff and special effects, here is a movie that talks to and about the human experience during the Great Depression. This is the best movie that I have seen made in many,many years, and is actually based on a historical horse. Everything about the movie is superbly done, from the casting of characters to the footage of soup lines to the racing footage to the overwhelming story by the author. The characters are so finely delivered to the screen and you can't imagine any better choices for them. I think there are several of the actors in the movie deserving of Oscar nominations, including Bridges, Maguire, Cooper, and Macy. All four actors deliver finely tuned performances that I could watch over and over. It is really hard to say which gave the better performance because they were all spot on. The movie is great entertainment and I encourage you to see it.
Rating:
Summary: A Thoroughbred Film
Review: Need a break from the dreaded 'Summer Blockbuster'? This story of a challenged horse may be just the film for you. Actually, the summer release date itself is a bit of a surprise, usually this type of film hits theatres late in the year when Oscar craving films fill the multiplex. Hey, I'm not complaining. With a movie of this caliber, I'll take it when I can get it.SEABISCUIT is the uplifting tale surrounding an underdog and his... umm... 'underhorse'. With the odds firmly against, they set out to overcome adversity, giving a self-esteem boost to audiences everywhere. The heart-of-gold owner and the horse-whispering trainer complete the powerful team. The cinematography in SEABISCUIT is stunning, Often placing the viewer in impossible places. Capturing a conversation between two jockeys during a crowded race is incredible. The rousing musical score by Randy Newman helps to add to the excitement as well as complete the depression era textures throughout the film. But the real force behind this film is the oscar-caliber acting trilogy of Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper and Tobey Maguire. They turn the mundane into believable and intriguing. And a small role by William H Macy deserves a lot of the press it is receiving. This is a rewarding film but is by no means perfect. The largest problem comes from the screenplay credited to director Gary Ross. His work seems set on slavish dedication to the source novel rather than the best film story. So, there are long gaps of gorgeous detail that make the film less powerful as it can be. In fact, the title horse doesn't make an appearance for a good 45 minutes... An additional footnote about the screenplay problems, the 'down-on-his-lucky-horseshoe' animal seems unstoppable at all times, in fact, his losses are of his own doing. This minimizes the tension during the big important races. With all that in mind, SEABISCUIT is a welcome change in the summer films...
Rating: 
Summary: A great docudrama.
Review: As a docudrama, Seabiscuit plays wonderfully. Here are reenactments of the most important moments of the horse and the people who loved him. As a piece of cinema it lacks slightly. It's interesting and even compelling at times, but never gripping nor engrossing. You could watch the same thing on the History Channel and still be just as entertained, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It's the story of the rise and fall and rise again of a race horse that no one cared about until Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) takes a chance with not only the horse, but a trainer most think is crazy (Chris Cooper) and a jockey who is a down-and-out loser (Tobey Maguire). The result is history as the film spells out all too well. Although today's economy is not as bad as it was during the early 1900's, it's still an interesting parallel that helps the film. You know the pain and anguish they are going through and so start to root for them despite knowing that everything will turn out all right in end. How else could the best-known underdog story of that generation turn out any other way?
Rating: 
Summary: HORSEFEATHERS
Review: Big, bland, boring saga that manages to turn the excitement of thoroughbred racing into a dull pony ride. The characters are empty shells given sympathy from tragic pasts that are hammered home early in the film, and Seabisquit himself remains an anonymous animal whose only mannerisms and character are told to us through a voice over narration. Sudden artsy camera work, a purposeless, nearly silent female lead, and a constant attempt to insure the film doesn't veer into "Lassie Come Home" territory make for a sometimes visually beautiful but deadly dormant day at the track. "Seabisuit" gets scratched at the post.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Movie!
Review: This is an old fashioned feel good movie, one that inspires and entertains. If you like horses, good people, heartwarming stories, and a total lack of crudeness, this is the movie for you. I found myself smiling broadly at times, wanting to clap or whoop out loud, and even shedding the occasional tear. I loved every minute. I didn't know Hollywood could even make movies like this anymore. I hope you'll go see this fantastic movie. We could all use an uplifting couple of hours, don't you think?
Rating:
Summary: Amazing film
Review: It's rare when a film has the power to touch the hearts of moviegoers from a wide range of age groups. At an opening day screening, the audience, with members ranging from 8 to 80, rose from their seats to cheer the action. As the group filed out, several people commented to one another that the movie spoke to them, moving them, at times, to tears. Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, and Chris Cooper were totally amazing in their roles. I have recommended this film to everyone and will, no doubt, go back to see it at least one more time.
Thanks for a summer movie that stands out from the rest!
Rating:
Summary: So far, the best movie of 2003
Review: Seabiscuit uses every corny cliché in the book, from surging music to photo finishes and it all works! This movie impressed me on many dimensions:
TALENT
Chris Cooper (Tom Smith) once again morphs into an entirely new person as an out of work cowboy who becomes a horse trainer....clearly more at ease with Animals than people.
Jeff Bridges (Charles Howard) largely reprises his role in "Tucker," but it's a lovable role.
Tobey Maguire (Red Pollard) plays a young man capable of great things if he can only control his temper and get out of his own way.
Elizabeth Banks (Marcela Howard) though a relatively small role, she has quite a presence. Keep an eye out for Ms. Banks in the future.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Even though the horse racing genre is full of great classics, this film adds to the body of work. There is a stunning night ride around a racetrack and great shots of races from every imaginable angle that make feel like you know what it's like to be a Jockey.
PERIOD PIECE
A big part of the film is the historic context of the depression. With a narrative and still photographs from the period, the film draws overt parallels between this struggling team of Horse-Jockey-Trainer-Owner and the struggling nation. What's a little less obvious is the parallel to America today and our need to believe in something and be inspired. Beyond that, period set designs, props and costuming are extremely detailed and well done.
MUSIC
The score is beautiful and I predict that Randy Newman will get a nomination for best score and likely win it.
If you are looking to be entertained, moved, and inspired..see Seabiscuit.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful presentation of an amazing true story!
Review: When I read Laura Hillenbrand's book, I could not believe the circumstances surrounding the plain-looking horse known as Seabiscuit. Then, of course, I read all of the footnotes, saw the PBS documentary and the A&E "True Story of Seabiscuit." I was primed for the film like I have not been for another movie in many years. When I walked into the theater, my expectations were very high -- I had absorbed all the hype -- and I was just hoping the film itself wouldn't disappoint too badly. But from the get-go, Seabiscuit captivated me. You don't have to love horses or be a fan of racing to enjoy this movie. It's a story for everyone, young and old, and I only wish that the original fans of Seabiscuit from the 1930's could see this movie! I will say that I felt like going to the track -- I've always loved horses, but never appreciated quite how much the jockeys go through to get those horses to the finish line. Yes, it's a bit of a cheat to use that guy who does ALL those documentary voice-overs. I felt like I was in a history class in college -- for a moment. But that voice and a masterful blend of old footage, beautiful new film and an emotionally charged musical score clearly present the life and times of Charles Howard, Tom Smith and Johnny "Red" Pollard. The essential elements of the Depression, Prohibition and hardship are ever-present and serve to remind us that this is a truly American story. Purely fictional track reporter "Tick-Tock" MacLaughlin (William H. Macy) relieves the film of that documentary feeling and brings the golden-age of radio to life. As a film about a horse, I place it up there with the classic "The Black Stallion." As a dramatic story that beautifully blends history with new-filmed elements, it compares very well with "Forrest Gump." I thoroughly enjoyed and wholeheartedly recommend both this movie and the book that preceded it. The film is an accurate and dramatic representation of the heart of Seabiscuit's story, but does not spoil any of the fun of reading the book. The book remains a definitive, detailed biography of an era, no small achievement. I look forward to Laura Hillenbrand's future work with great anticipation!
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