Dreamer MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: +1 1/2

A skillful horse trainer, Ben Crane (Kurt Russell), refuses to be bullied by his boss after an accident cripples a promising young mare named Sonyador, which is Spanish for Dreamer. Though it costs him his job, Ben stops his boss from destroying Sonya and takes her back to the family farm, which has not had a horse in the barn since Bens father (Kris Kristofferson) ran the place. Ben hopes only to breed Sonya and sell the colt. But as her injuries begin to heal, Sonya is surprisingly eager to run again. And while she recovers her stride, Sonya also draws Bens family together. Ben reconciles with his father after years of bitterness between them, and he renews his connection with his young daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning). Together, they all begin to dream that Sonya, and the family, might get back into the horse-racing business.

Although the story involves horse racing, Dreamer has more to do with the struggles and strengths of family life. Throughout the film, Ben is plagued with self-doubt and an unwillingness to take risks. But his wife (Elisabeth Shue) and father encourage him to stick to his principles and follow his dreams, whatever the cost. Likewise, they support and love him no matter where the future leads. Ben applies these lessons as he encourages his daughter to dream big dreams. When Cale plans to enter Sonya in the prestigious Breeders Cup race, Ben doesnt shoot her down even though he knows that it is an unlikely and costly goal. Dreamers only failings are its predictable plot, a few offensive words including three instances of profanity, and a positive portrayal of gambling. Still, with such an uplifting message, Dreamer,/i> is a heart-warming and family friendly movie, which Preview recommends.

Preview Reviewer: Shaun Daugherty
Distributor: DreamWorks