Secretariat - 9 stars out of 10

Secretariat - 9 stars out of 10

How could anybody walk out of this film without being a Big Red fan? "Secretariat" offers incredible acting, an inspirational story, and is clean-cut all the way through. Unfortunately, based on the reactions of the children surrounding me in the theater, there is not enough horse racing to hold the interest of kids. This film is clean enough to be a family film but focuses more on the drama behind keeping the horse/stress on the family than it does on the horse's career. Perhaps this is the reason that it is rated PG, despite being clean enough to be G. "Secretariat" sports dramatic acting fit for any critic or movie buff. This is Diane Lane's finest performance (I'd compare it to Sandra Bullock in The Blindside, though nothing can match that). John Malkovich definitely steps out of character and shows versatility with his portrayal of Lucien, and where in the world did Margo Martindale come from (aside from her shining moment in Million Dollar Baby)!?!?!? She was delightful. Round out the cast with Ellis, Walsh, and James Cromwell, and you know that you have a winner. This film is as much of a triumph as the records that Secretariat shattered.