Big Screen Blurb: Secretariat

"He just wants to run. Let him run." That's my favorite line from the movie, Secretariat. Here's an addendum for you. "You just want to watch a good movie. Watch Secretariat!" Is it inspirational? Well, I saw this flick at the mall and went for a walk afterwards. Let's just say I left many an 80-year old tail peeling from the glitzy retail corridors of West Town Mall. I even threw in a few glares for good measure on my way past these hapless competitors fifty years my senior--the kind of stare that clearly communicated, "I just watched Secretariat, so don't mess with me!" Okay, maybe the last bit is a tad untrue, but this is one of those movies that highlights competitive desire and forces that titillatingly rare chill to penetrate my stomach and quickly work its way to the hairs on my arms. For me, that is something that only an emotionally charged surge can do when combining pride, caring and a sincere interest in a movie's character.

In this case that character is Red, undoubtedly the best racing horse of his and many other times, if not all time. Red is better known of course, as Secretariat, the last Triple Crown winner (Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont races). This isn't a sports flick though. Not really. In the same mold as The Blind Side and Remember the Titans, there is an emotionally driven story that far overshadows the sports-related front. Although, enthusiasts of horse racing will certainly be entertained by the sporting arena cast for the flick. Ultimately, the movie centers around the true tale of Penny Chenery/Tweedy (Diane Lane).

We pick up the story as Penny's mother has just passed away and her ill father is incapable of caring for the family horse farm. After dad dies, her brother (Dylan Baker) wants to sell the horses and land in order to be done with all of it. Penny's husband (Dylan Walsh) sides with bro-in-law, but Penny has different ideas altogether. She's developed a real passion for horses and Red in particular. Selling isn't in the cards, even though it certainly makes more fiscal sense than Penny's plan. Yadayadayada, we watch as Penny basically bets the farm on ole Red.

It's good...4.5 stars in my book and almost certain to garner attention for a Best Picture nomination. The story is about holding onto a deep-seated belief and faith when all odds are stacked against you. It's about making a commitment to that ideal even in the face of squaring off against those you love. It's about toughness and endurance; rallying those supportive few allies and relying on them through numerous challenges while still loving the friendly fire around you. Plus, it's about dealing with the unfriendly fire that life throws at you--many-a-life lessons duly noted.

Secretariat made his famous charge through the Triple Crown in 1973, so I don't exactly have a recollection of the event. Apparently, Penny emerged as a sports celebrity of sorts with trainer Lucius Lauren (John Malkovich) closely connected to the media limelight. Lane was tremendous, as was Malkovich. His Lauren, who was known for some outrageous color ensembles and bouts of screaming french, was a hit. He was the perfect glue guy to tie everything together and help showcase Penny's tough-minded flare.

My only criticism with Secretariat is that it was a little tough to follow in the early stages in terms of the timeline. We got the month and date updates on-screen in the latter portion of the flick (during the races), but it would have been helpful to follow the timeline from the start. At one point, we fast forwarded two years without much of a warning and it took me a sec to adjust. All in all, Secretariat is two hours well spent and a very good movie that I will undoubtedly watch again.

So, I'm done with mowing for the season, but the blog will roll on as I'm sure there are plenty of things to motivate me to procrastinate. Right now, however, I'm hosting a Murder Mystery Party and I've to get ready--I just hope I'm not the murderous culprit!

True...OUT!