Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning and Kris Kristofferson star in a drama about a father who, for the love of his daughter, sacrifices almost everything to save the life of an injured racehorse and bring the promising filly back to her former glory. Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) was once a great horseman, whose gifts as a trainer were now being wasted on making other men's fortunes. Sonya was a great horse whose promising future on the racetrack was suddenly cut short by a career-ending broken leg. Considered as good as dead to her owner, who also happens to be Ben's boss, Sonya is given to Ben as severance pay, along with his walking papers. Now, it will take the unwavering faith and determination of Ben's young daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning), to bring these two damaged souls together in a quest for a seemingly impossible goal: to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Directed by
John Gatins
Written by
John Gatins
Starring
Kurt Russell (Ben Crane); Dakota Fanning (Cale Crane); Kris Kristofferson (Pop Crane); Elisabeth Shue (Lily); David Morse (Palmer); Freddy Rodríguez (Manolin); Luis Guzmán (Balon); Oded Fehr (Prince Sadir); Ken Howard (Bill Ford); Holmes Osborne (Doc Fleming); Antonio Albadran (Prince Tariq); John Moyer (Security Officer); Kayren Butler (Teacher); Tommy Barnes (Short Steward); Frank Hoyt Taylor (Chairman). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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A Wonderful (and indeed inspirational) Family Movie
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
I've said it before in my reviews but I'll say it again, and that is that I'm glad there are still some good children's and family films being made out there; and God-willing may in continue for a long time. The synopsis above pretty much covers the general plot of Dreamer, but little is mentioned of the sub-plot, which is a welcome reminder on the importance of family and of the value of having a supportive and encouraging father figure; and this for me is the glue that holds this film together. Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning and indeed the supporting cast (especially Kris Kristofferson and Elisabeth Shue) have a wonderful on-screen chemistry together. There is also a good appreciation for God's hand in the events that unfold, from the businessman/prince that provides the money to the jockey guided by his dreams to get back on his horse once again. 'Dreamer...' is a film for all the family to enjoy.
