Review of Secretariat (2010) by Mark H — 04 Feb 2011

Following the death of her mother, Virginia housewife agrees to take over her feeble father's stables, despite having no knowledge of horse-racing. Walt Disney Pictures has a workmanlike approach to producing these uplifting sports dramas.

They've tackled baseball (The Rookie), hockey (Miracle), golf (The Greatest Game Ever Played), basketball (Glory Road) and football (Invincible). I guess it was only a matter of time before they turned their attention to horse racing in this decent docudrama.

The production is glossy and conventional. If you aren't already aware of the thoroughbred racehorse Secretariat's achievements, the film will hold a lot more excitement. Interestingly the focus is not on the horse, but rather its owner and the obstacles she overcame.

Diane Lane plays Penny Chenery with grace and charm, determined that she knows best. Indeed she seems otherworldly as she is never wrong in her assertions. That's admirable, I suppose, but it also makes for a distinct lack of tension.

To be fair, the tale does radiate genuine warmth and casting John Malkovich as Secretariat's trainer was genius. He brings a subtle edge to a movie that is all warm fuzzies.