Respectable when it should be thrilling, honorable when it should be rough and ready.
Overview
He was boxy, with stumpy legs that wouldn't completely straighten a short straggly tail and an ungainly gait; though he didn't look the part, Seabiscuit was one of the most remarkable thoroughbred racehorses in history. In the 1930s, when Americans longed to escape the grim realities of Depression-era life, four men turned Seabiscuit into a national hero. They were his fabulously wealthy owner Charles Howard, his famously silent and stubborn trainer Tom Smith and the two hard-bitten, gifted jockeys who rode him to glory. By following the paths that brought these four together and in telling the story of Seabiscuit's unlikely career, this film illuminates the precarious economic conditions that defined America in the 1930s and explores the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of thoroughbred racing. Scott Glenn narrates.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
[It] may be too airbrushed for its own good, but in the end nothing can stop this story from putting a lump in your throat.
I found this film stultifyingly self-important and, despite the regularity with which it cuts to the chase, weirdly static.
For a film about an unfancied underdog, Seabiscuit is just far too pleased with itself.
Watching this movie, you get the feeling that the Depression existed so that Seabiscuit could be memorialized.
More films
Cinderella Man (2005)
Drama · History · Romance · PG-13
The true story of boxer Jim Braddock who, following his retirement in the 1930s, makes a surprise comeback in order to lift his family out of poverty.
- Runtime
- 2h 24m
- Director
- Ron Howard
- Cast
- Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti
Free Willy (1993)
Adventure · Drama · Family · PG
When maladjusted orphan Jesse vandalizes a theme park, he is placed with foster parents and must work at the park to make amends. There he meets Willy, a young Orca whale who has been separated from his family. Sensing kinship, they form a bond and, with the help of kindly whale trainer Rae Lindley, develop a routine of tricks. However...
- Runtime
- 1h 52m
- Director
- Simon Wincer
- Cast
- Jason James Richter, Keiko, Lori Petty
The Black Stallion (1979)
Adventure · Family · G
While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. When it tragically sinks both he and the horse survive only to be stranded on a deserted island. He befriends it, so when finally rescued both return to his home where they s...
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Director
- Carroll Ballard
- Cast
- Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr
Invictus (2009)
Drama · History · PG-13
Newly elected President Nelson Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby union team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.
- Runtime
- 2h 14m
- Director
- Clint Eastwood
- Cast
- Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge
Secretariat (2010)
Drama · PG
Housewife and mother Penny Chenery agrees to take over her ailing father's Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery - with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin - manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.
- Runtime
- 2h 3m
- Director
- Randall Wallace
- Cast
- Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Scott Glenn
The Lorax (2012)
Animation · Family · PG
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
- Runtime
- 1h 26m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Chris Renaud
- Cast
- Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms
Home Makeover (2010)
Animation · Comedy · Family · N/A
When a social worker visits Gru’s house to assess its suitability for children, chaos ensues. Margo, Edith, and Agnes, along with the ever-mischievous Minions, scramble to give the home a makeover in record time. Their attempts to create a warm and inviting environment quickly spiral into hilarity as the Minions’ unorthodox methods lea...
- Runtime
- 5m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Samuel Tourneux
- Cast
- Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, Elsie Kate Fisher
Orientation Day (2010)
Animation · Comedy · Family · N/A
The Minions embark on their first day of work, eager to prove themselves in their new roles. After watching a hilariously outdated 'Initiation Video,' three rookie Minions take on bomb-carrying duty. Predictably, their enthusiasm quickly spirals into chaos as they bungle the simplest of tasks. Packed with slapstick comedy and the Minio...
- Runtime
- 4m
- Director
- Kyle Balda, Samuel Tourneux
- Cast
- Pierre Coffin, Rob Huebel

Comments
Talk about the film with other members