I just got home from seeing the movie "Secretatriat"... let me start by saying that I can't give you an unbiased assessment of this movie, so you will have to decide for yourself when you watch it. As I've mentioned many times, I'm from Kentucky, but what you might know it that Kentucky is considered the Thoroughbred horse racing capital of the world. Many of the Kentucky Derby champions actually live or lived on horse farms only a few miles from my childhood home in Lexington. So growing up, the legend of great Secretariat are memories that I cherish and are forever etched in my mind. Then you add in Cherry Valance/Ellen Aim and tears are in my eyes throughout..
So the film "Secretariat" which is based on the true story of the journey of this incredible horse that won the 1973 Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing was a must see for me. I knew the story of Secretariat, but this film is not just about Big Red as he was called, but also about housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) who agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. With the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), Chenery manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what is in my opinion the greatest racehorse of all time!
The studio used it's Disney formula on this flick and it worked magically on a huge fan such as myself. The only drawbacks that I might suggest is the possible religious undertones and the fact this movie is geared more toward adults.. I just don't know if that spells box office success.
Above is a picture of the real Secretariat.. what a beautiful creature!
Some of the film's race imaginary is beyond breathtaking, but I loved how they mixed in actual race footage from the 1973 Preakness brilliantly to give the movie an authentic feel as well.
Spoiler if you by chance don't know the story...
I won't explain the picture above, but if you're interested in the answer and why the picture was taken at that view.. click the link below:
[ 08. October 2010, 14:39: Message edited by: Valley ]
Posted by Ronnie (Member # 465) on :
i had advanced screening passes to see this one and i skipped on it. i think i would have liked it, but couldn't get anyone to go with me hehe.
i was aware of the story but maybe i will rent it, because i am interested in seeing it.
Posted by Valley (Member # 1322) on :
I should have rebooted this thread sooner.. but The Kentucky Derby was today.
I'm from Kentucky and the Derby is still considered a big deal for my family and childhood friends. Derby parties are the norm in Kentucky and it is a fun day for a race that last only 2 minutes.
Well .. if you happened to catch the race today and you're craving more.. I want to recommend this movie about the Derby winner that stands above all others in my opinion.
