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Cliffiesgirl
Cliffiesgirl's stats
- Review count3
- Helpfulness votes0
- First reviewMay 17, 2009
- Last reviewNovember 13, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating5
Cliffiesgirl's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
Heartwarming, yet not corny
PostedNovember 13, 2010
Cliffiesgirl
from Appleton, WI
Gorgeous horses, especially the one playing the part of Secretariat, a fully-fleshed-out story behind the sports headlines as "Big Red" (the champion's original name) moves toward his place in sports history. Diane Lane and John Malkovich were subtle, except during those last big races of course, as they talked about, and to, this almost magical horse. I'm old enough to remember these events as they were happening, and my family was glued to our TV back then as Secretariat did what most of the thoroughbred-racing "experts" said couldn't be done. Wonderful cinematography and sound, even during the races; made you feel as if you were riding the horse as he raced around the tracks each time. The supporting cast members could have been cariactures, but were also unusually-deep. I wish I could remember the name of the actor playing the black groom (caretaker) for Secretariat, because he did such a fine job. I didn't notice for a while that he also played the cook at Merlotte's in the HBO series "True Blood." His role couldn't be more different in "Secretariat," yet he did a fantastic job playing a whole person, not a stereotype, in the still-segregated American south where most of this film takes place. Sure to win at least some Oscar nominations.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Delight for all ages
PostedMay 31, 2009
Cliffiesgirl
from Appleton, WI
Even without the 3D, which made the dog's fur, jungle flora and fauna, storm, and other clouds much more real than even the highest-rated Pixar animation in the past (I'm comparing it to Monsters, Inc. which had fur, scary shadowy backgrounds, etc.) - this would still be one of my favorite films of this year, and I've been to at least one a week, loving several of them. The story was still the core of this charming film, and had wonderful surprises - much deeper relationships, even some drama at an adult level, that kept me enthralled while small children around me were enjoying the comic animation. There's even some "thriler/action film" storyline that I didn't expect, but was great fun!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Great film
PostedMay 17, 2009
Cliffiesgirl
from Appleton, WI
Kept me guessing, loved Hanks' character as he explained. Yes, as another viewer said, he does this very quickly, but if I could follow it anybody could. Great acting - several wonderful old character actors - and Ewan McGregor did his best work since "Trainspotting" years ago, very subtle. The last few surprises, within minutes of each other and almost at the end of the film, were delightful. The cinematography, and the re-creation of the Vatican, St. Peter's,and all the sights of historic Rome, just blew me away. Again, my recent visit made this doubly thrilling
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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