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Flicka By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Flicka" (20th Century Fox) is a warmhearted family film in the tradition of "National Velvet" and "The Black Stallion." Based on the enduring children's book, "My Friend Flicka," by Mary O'Hara, the story has already been adapted twice before, first as a 1943 movie starring Roddy McDowall and then as a 1950s' television series. Director Michael Mayer stays true to the spirit of O'Hara's tale, but makes some substantial changes, updating the setting from early 1900s' Montana to present-day Wyoming -- lustrously photographed -- and switching the gender of its young protagonist, Ken McLaughlin. The character is now a strong-willed girl, Katy (Alison Lohman). She returns home to her family's expansive ranch after a semester at a prep school where her daydreaming brought her precariously close to flunking. While out riding in the mountains, she encounters a spirited wild mustang that she names Flicka (Swedish for "beautiful young girl"). She quickly bonds with the horse. Defying her tough but loving dad, Rob (Tim McGraw), Katy is determined to tame the filly. Concerned for his daughter's safety, he sells Flicka to a rodeo. Katy responds with anger, which is fueled all the more when she learns that he is also contemplating selling the financially strapped ranch. Katy and Flicka manage to reunite and what happens next ultimately brings father and daughter closer together. Lohman radiates precocious pluck and girlish vulnerability. McGraw is also very good, tempering his firmness with sensitivity. Maria Bello provides maternal warmth as supportive mom Nell and Ryan Kwanten is older brother Howard, who sweats over how to inform his dad that he'd rather go to college in Boston than be a rancher. The script avoids excess sentimentality, exploring -- at times in an elegiac way -- themes of family bonds, youthful ambition and the passing of the American West. Some parents may find fault with Katy's blatant disobedience, but apart from some heated arguments it's good to see a positive portrayal of a stable and loving family headed by nurturing and devoted parents. A wonderful film for all. The film contains minimal mildly crass expressions and some minor peril involving a marauding mountain lion which may upset very young viewers. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2006 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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