Director: Diane Lane
Run Time: 1 Hour 56 Minutes
Rating: PG
The Bouw-Man.
Although Disney is best known for their animated features, they have also become sort of an authority figure on the “underdog” sports film. Some are fictional in nature (“The Mighty Ducks,” “Air Bud,” “Angels in the Outfield,” etc.), but the majority of their recent entries have been based on real events. “Cool Runnings,” “Remember the Titans,” “The Rookie,” “Miracle,” “Glory Road” and “Invincible” were all stories centered on a sports team or individual athlete who defied incredible odds to succeed. This time around Disney is tackling one of the most recognizable figures in horse racing history. In most if not all cases, these kinds of films have been overdramatized to the maximum. Some induced drama is needed to draw in an audience and make it an effective emotional journey. However, when it’s done just to get a reaction out of a viewer, it comes off as cheap and lazy.
I’m a little bit skeptical of “Secretariat” on a couple of fronts. First, will be the obvious comparison to 2003’s “Seabiscuit.” “Seabiscuit” was nominated for an Academy Award, and it was told in a way that really made you root for all the characters involved. For my money, you would be hard pressed to find a better sports movie with a “never give up” or “second chances” theme. I can’t imagine “Secretariat” will be able to match the heart of “Seabiscuit.”
Second, I’m having a hard time putting “Secretariat” in the “underdog” category. From what I have read and seen, he was a gifted horse with all the makings of a champion. You really couldn’t make a proper “underdog” film about LeBron James, Tiger Woods or the New York Yankees. Not to say their story isn’t appealing, but “underdog” is not a word that comes to mind when describing them. The preview seems to focus more on the owner and trainer, and how everyone wanted to see them fail. Throw in some financial problems on top of it, and naturally a “Triple Crown” horse is needed to avoid losing it all. With any sports movie based on real life events, you probably need to do some research to see what is true and how much is fabricated.
Prediction.
With so much negativity encompassing our society these days, a feel good movie like this may be just the ticket. Disney has a strong history with real life sports films, so it’s hard to bet against this one. $28 million haul for opening weekend should make the producers happy, and motivate them to be on the lookout for the next big “underdog” sports film.
Opening Weekend Gross: $28 Million
Noodles.
Prediction.
I think the trailer looks like a well made period piece, that Hollywood will fall over themselves to reward with accolades. Will that translate into opening weekend dollars? I don't know. My guess is that we're in for a modest open, and then a long run.
Opening Weekend: Gross: $23 Million
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