Rarely do you get a film that can be appreciated by such a wide audience. Except for some barroom brawling at the movie's beginning, there is little reason "50 to 1" cannot be enjoyed by all ages, since there is no nudity, sex, or other than a fistfight, violence. The horse, "Mine That Bird" has an amusing personality, and the real life jockey, Calvin Borel is a joy to watch. I did not find the film to be overly dramatic, although cheering for the long shot in the big race is permitted. There is absolutely no gambling angle to this movie, other than a few bar bets, and the authentic feel and excitement of the Kentucky Derby is a highlight. Recommended for everyone who likes to root for the underdog. - MERK
Plot summary
A misfit group of New Mexico cowboys find themselves on the journey of a lifetime when they learn their crooked-footed racehorse qualifies to run in the Kentucky Derby. Based on the true story of Mine That Bird, the cowboys must overcome impossible odds even before they reach Churchill Downs and the land of Kentucky's blue bloods.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
January 08, 2024 at 09:53 AM
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Movie Reviews
Horse racing movie with wide appeal ....
I have really liked Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and even The Cup. I would add this movie to the list as well.
"The losing streak is over. You just have to have a little faith." Chip Woolley (Ulrich) is a horse trainer that is having a hard time making ends meet. When he asks Mark (Kane), his old friend, for a job he is sent off to look at a new racehorse to buy. When he comes back with Mine That Bird things don't go as planned. I have stated many times that I am a sucker for sports movies. Any type of sports movie. I am not a horse racing fan at all and have never actually seen a race on TV or otherwise. I do have to admit that having said that I have really liked Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and even The Cup. I would add this movie to the list as well. This has tenseness and heart. The acting is surprisingly good for a lower budget movie and I really enjoyed this. There are a few fights in this but this is a pretty decent family movie and I recommend it. Overall, a movie that not just fans of horse racing will like. I did. I surprisingly give this a B+.
Smokey and The Bandit meets Seabiscuit
It's hard to not like a "true-story-ish" movie about an underdog going up against despicable snobs... so on that level, the movie is worth a watch, especially if you're running out of movies to watch.
Feel-good underdog movie with hokey screenplay and acting.
I certainly have seen far worse, but there were a few times during the movie that I was tempted to shut it off because it was over-the- top cornball. It's filled with scenes and side-stories that add no value whatsoever to the movie and feel like the filmmakers wanted to check-off every popular cliché in movie making.
Fight scene... check. Love & hate romantic tension scene... check. Funny animal action scene... check. Life and death drama scene... check. Down-and-out nobody believes in me scene... check
The movie jumps back and forth trying to be funny at times, and serious at others without having a connection between the emotions - - at least in believable way. I kinda of felt at times like I was watching a Smokey and the Bandit movie... then all of the sudden, it tries to go serious.
With all that said... I watched the entire movie, had a few chuckles and wiped a tear from my eye at the end.