Seabiscuit MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: -1

Seabiscuit tells the true story of three men and a horse that ignite hope in the common mans heart during the Depression. Jeff Bridges plays owner Charles Howard, who made his fortune introducing the automobile to the American West. Tobey Maguire is the half-blind, ex-boxing prizefighter, Red Pollard, who becomes the horses jockey. Chris Cooper is the horse whisperer who becomes Pollards trainer. And, Seabiscuit is the undersized, knobbly-kneed horse that beats the legendary War Admiral and goes on to win Horse-of-the-Year honors in 1938, becoming a legend in his own time. A remarkable story of triumph against all odds, Seabiscuit is a top-notch film with excellent acting, inspired direction and an invigorating score. The film neglects to deal with any of the characters resoundingly painful emotional issues, and unfortunately, its otherwise good dialogue is hampered by crude language.

At first glance, Seabiscuit appears to be an excellent family film. Historically accurate, with an educational voiceover and black-and-white photos place the setting in era of the Depression. This film offers an insightful commentary about horse racing, along with the birth and growth of the automobile industry. Hollywoods recurring theme of fatherless-ness flows throughout Seabiscuit, and Bridges character offers a wonderful antidote to that problem: a father figure who has confidence in his adopted son, trusts him, forgives him, gives him a second chance and is always there for him. Moreover, the film is an inspiring story that leaves audiences with a good feeling about perseverance and the underdog beating the odds. Sadly, however, filmmakers chose to litter Seabiscuit with foul language, bloody fights, lots of drinking, and a few (albeit brief) scenes of interaction (including implied future intercourse) with prostitutes. For this reason, Preview gives Seabiscuit a negative acceptability rating.

Preview Reviewer: Annabelle Robertson
Distributor: Universal Pictures