"Iron Will" is typical, formula Disney filmmaking, the kind that has you cheering for an underdog all the way even as he faces incredible odds. Will Stoneman (Mackenzie Astin, the son of John A. and Patty Duke) is a young man during the WWI era. After the death of his father (John Terry), he realizes that his one chance to save the family farm and provide for his own future is to enter a challenging dog sled race that stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to St. Paul in Minnesota. Often running on sheer determination, he has to win over the dog Gus who was his fathers' favourite while dealing with the evil machinations of a ruthless fellow racer (George Gerdes) and a greedy rich man (Brian Cox). In doing so, he captures the hearts of Americans, earning the nickname "Iron Will" from a reporter (Kevin Spacey) who's just as determined to make a name for himself.
While watching this, this viewer felt quite manipulated as the filmmakers pulled on the strings, doing everything possible to win over the audience. Overall, it's very predictable, turning what was a real-life story into a "root for the good guy" sports drama intended to inspire its viewers. (Unsurprisingly, the true story apparently played out differently.) It certainly has you hating the bad guys; even Spacey is very self-motivated at first, and it's hard not to cheer when Astin slugs HIM at one point.
Basically, it's well-made, with Charles Haid, a.k.a. Renko on 'Hill Street Blues', in the directors' chair, and an old script by John Michael Hayes given modern polishes by Djordje Milicevic and Jeff Arch. The cast is just fine, with Astin as the kind of youthful hero with whom kids can identify; also appearing are August Schellenberg, Richard Riehle, Penelope Windust, David Ogden Stiers, and Rex Linn. The only one out of all the canines used that really is given some sort of personality is Gus, an endearing pooch who seems to eye his young master with reproach after Astin seriously considers a cash offer from Cox to drop out of the race!
Wonderful wintry scenery & photography, some decent action & thrills, and the sincerity of the cast do help to keep this one watchable.
Six out of 10.
