Short in stature and with a quirky gait, Seabiscuit passed from owner to owner, picking up various labels including lazy, unmotivated, and a loser. By the time he was purchased by automobile dealer Charles Howard, he’d become difficult to deal with and was on his way to being put down. Wrangler Tom Smith spotted a kindred spirit in the stubborn little horse and convinced Howard to give him a chance to work with the animal. Howard had suffered a devastating blow when his only child died in an automobile accident and was looking for anything that might distract him and help fill a gaping hole in his life. New to the horseracing industry, Howard placed his faith in Smith’s judgment and Seabiscuit found a home.
Tom Smith was also responsible for hiring a jockey to work with Seabiscuit. Johnny ‘Red’ Pollard caught his eye while berating a horse he was working out. Red was tall for a jockey but similar to Smith, Howard, and Seabiscuit, Red had that down but not out attitude.
Like the men who cared for him, Seabiscuit overcame the odds and blossomed. With the team in place, Seabiscuit became one of the winningest horses of his generation, taking on all challengers including the then current Triple Crown winner, War Admiral.
Horseracing, while a popular sport, isn’t exactly the nation’s pastime. So why should moviegoers go see a film about a horse who raced decades ago? Like the Laura Hillenbrand book that inspired the movie, “Seabiscuit” is more than the story of a horse. It’s really the tale of three lost men and one special racehorse and how their relationship to each other healed wounds and ultimately inspired a nation.
Tobey Maguire’s acting chops get a workout as he portrays an impoverished loner who transitions into a determined champion. Maguire dramatically changed his physical appearance to portray jockey Red Pollard. Weight loss and a vigorous training program combine to make Maguire into a thoroughly believable jockey.
As wrangler Tom Smith, Chris Cooper’s craggy looks fit the part. He doesn’t have much to say but he’s the thread that holds the story together. Jeff Bridges gives one of his best performances in decades as the wealthy car dealer turned horseracing enthusiast, Charles Howard. However like the story itself, it’s the combined chemistry of the three lead actors – Maguire, Bridges and Cooper – that gives the film that special something.
Real jockeys and flesh and blood horses (rather than computer generated animals) give the film an authentic feel. Cameras zoom in and moviegoers literally feel as though they are seated on top of the racing thoroughbreds.
Using voice over narration, historic photos, and sets that capture the era well, “Seabiscuit” is both an entertaining piece and a brief history lesson. “Seabiscuit” starts a little slow, has a few hitches in the middle, but ultimately reaches the finish line a winner.
GRADE: A
"Seabiscuit" was directed by Gary Ross (full cast and crew list) and is rated PG-13 for some sexual situations and violent sports-related images.
