Secretariat

Based on a true story, this uplifting and heartwarming family movie is about Secretariat, the triumphant thoroughbred considered by many to be the greatest racehorse of all times.

Diane Lane delivers a graceful performance as Penny Chenery, a Denver housewife and a mother of four who, despite opposition from her skeptical lawyer husband Jack Tweedy (Dylan Walsh) and brother Hollis Chenery (Dylan Baker), takes over, upon the death of her father Chris (Scott Glen), the family horsebreeding business. Through a coin toss with wealthy financier Ogden Phillips (James Cromwell) Penny ends up with Secretariat, known to family and friends as Big Red, the amazing horse who in 1973 made history by winning the first Triple Crown in 25 years.

Penny starts pulling things together by seeking the help of veteran French Canadian trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), jockey Ronnie Turcotte (real-life jockey, Otto Thorwarth), Secretariat's groom Eddie Sweat (Nelsan Ellis), and her father's supportive assistant Miss Ham (Margo Martindale).

Compelling performances are delivered by the stellar cast with Malkovich providing most comic relief in his portrayal of the eccentric trainer dressed in loud colors.

The horse race scenes are exciting to watch. Director Randall Wallace carries the viewers to the track making the horse races feel thrilling and real. DP Dean Semler makes use of several closeup shots bringing the audience eye to eye with Big Red. By placing at the end of a stick a small lightweight camera, or Ollie cam, Semler brilliantly captures the energy and spirit of the race getting closer to the track and inches away from the pounding hoofs, heaving torsos and churning legs all the way to Secretariat's victory.