Review of Secretariat (2010) by Kenneth E — 14 May 2013

I am very familiar with the story of Secretariat, who is regarded by historians and racing fans as one of the greatest pieces of horse flesh to ever grace a track; perhaps, because of historical significance and my previous knowledge of the industry, I felt like the script was watered down severely in order to accommodate younger and/or less-hardcore audiences.

Too many scenes, including the highly unnecessary conversation about the significance of winning the combined Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont stakes, should have been cut or re-shot. In addition, the somewhat clunky and predictable dialogue lessened the authenticity, particularly Diane Lane's unrealistic certainty, (borderline clairvoyance,) that her horse will win future races, with no shadow of a doubt.

In addition, many scenes felt like it was filmed for a non-ambitious, family film on ABC; on-track action scenes seemed like they had been captured by an iphone. However, despite these problems, I truly felt inspired by Secretariat and Penny Chenery's gutsy endeavor to succeed.

From the horse's vindicating win at Churchhill Downs to the unreal 30-length win at Belmont, filmmakers succeeded in the areas that mattered. I truly felt the excitement and magic of the sporting event; even though the simulated races were filmed exactly 40 years after actual events, I felt something authentically "1973" pull through and shine.

And because this was the main point of the film, I can conclude that they succeeded nicely.