Posted: 01/17/2011
 

Secretariat

(2010)

by Shannon Huebscher



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A wonderful family film, Secretariat tells the true story of one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and the improbable story that brought him there. Penny Tweedy, portrayed by Diane Lane, was a homemaker with four kids in 1969 when her mother passed away. Once back at home for the funeral, she discovers that her father is unwell and their family farm of breeding racehorses is threatening to close. Instead of turning her back on her family, Penny makes the tough decision to try and revive the business, and commutes between her home in Colorado to the farm in Virginia. During this process, a foal is born whom Penny believes will make a winning racehorse - and sure enough, she’s right. Highlights include a great cast, including a hilarious John Malkovich as Secretariat’s trainer, Margo Martindale as the family’s smart and loyal secretary, and Nelsan Ellis as Secretariat’s groom.

Coming out January 25th as a DVD and Blu-ray combo pack and including special features like deleted scenes and an audio commentary with the director, Secretariat is a great film for all ages.

Shannon Huebscher is a freelance writer living in Minneapolis.



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