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Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hollywood loves a good horse story. Just think of "National Velvet," "Black Beauty" or "The Black Stallion." In recent years, the starting gate has become crowded with movies like "Seabiscuit," "Hidalgo" and -- if the definition is malleable enough to include zebras with identity issues -- "Racing Stripes." The newest to trot into theaters is also one of the better family films of the year. Written and directed by John Gatins, the awkwardly titled "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story" (DreamWorks) is a warm and winning crowd-pleaser that, much like its pony protagonist, is all heart. Loosely based on a real-life racehorse's against-the-odds comeback, the fable is about a chocolate-colored prize filly called Sonador (Spanish for "Dreamer") who suffers a seemingly career-ending injury when she breaks her leg during a race. Sonador's slimy owner, Palmer (David Morse), orders the injured animal put down, but her dispirited, nearly bankrupt trainer Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) -- a second-generation horse whisperer who had to sell most of his family's Kentucky farm to stave off foreclosure -- refuses. The ensuing argument costs Crane his job, but he negotiates taking Sonador as severance pay. Together with his young daughter, Cale (a precocious Dakota Fanning), estranged father Pop (Kris Kristofferson), a wisecracking stable hand (Luis Guzman) and a saddle-shy jockey (Freddy Rodriguez), Crane nurses Sonador back into shape, eventually entering her in the prestigious Breeders' Cup race against Palmer's Man O'War-like steed. And though there isn't much guessing as to the film's finish line, the touching story keeps you involved. As in "Seabiscuit," here the crippled horse serves as a metaphor for the characters' own brokenness. As Sonador's leg mends, a parallel emotional healing transforms Crane's fractured relationship with Cale and Pop. Crane starts out a damaged soul, but in rescuing Sonador it is actually Crane who gets a second chance. "You saved her life," Cale tells her father. "She's just returning the favor." Fanning proves an impressive actress behind her saucer eyes and Russell is likewise solid, resulting in some genuinely tender father-daughter moments. Elisabeth Shue makes the most of her underwritten role as Crane's supportive wife. Fred Murphy's handsome cinematography captures the region's bluegrass beauty and gives the film an elegant polish (shots of the early morning mist-covered fields are lovely) and John Debney's lilting score is appropriately uplifting. Though emotionally satisfying, the final race could have been more exciting. Familiar plot notwithstanding, with its wholesome charm, unapologetic sentimentality and themes of family love and holding on to your dreams, "Dreamer" is a sure bet to win your heart. The film contains a few mildly rude expressions and a racetrack accident that may disturb sensitive young children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. END Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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