Amazing Racer

Enjoyed Amazing Racer so much. Plus, since it is based on a true story, it is even better. If you enjoy family films, I think you will enjoy this one very much.

I thought the acting was great for a family film since sometimes, in this type of film, the acting can be a bit below par. Outstanding cinematography, production value, screenplay, and set design. Good music picks too.

We enjoyed the variety of several well know actors. Good to see Charles Durning one last time before his recent death. Cast just seemed to work together very well.

In a world of "shoot em up" movies and horrible stories in the news of violence and death, it's nice to find a family-safe movie. It's a great story about a teen coping with loss through her training of a lame horse. The film has lots of emotion, actresses and actors that have a house-hold name, and it was set and filmed in the Pittsburgh area. Cineametographer Dean Cundy, the man behind Jurassic Park's beautiful scenes, does a great job with sharp images, bright colors, and racing scenes that put you in the action. And I thought actor Jason Gedrick did a great performance and stole the movie. There's even a funny cameo with Steve Guttenburg and the late Charles Durning, which I believe is his last performance. Check it out!

While the acting was not Oscar winning, it was competent. It was nice to see Louis Gossett Jr. back in movies though to think this was Charles Durning's last movie makes one wince. Make no mistake, the movie is predictable. For those who love racing, they will like the movie provided they can deal with the artistic changes to conform to time constraints. The race scenes were very good.

My problem comes with some of the editorial decisions. I winced at a couple of scenes which may be considered rough for those sensitive to animal rights and children. The movie didn't fully develop some of the back stories of the trainers.

The movie is promoted as being family friendly. I would suggest Amazing Racer is not a movie for those under ten or sensitive to animal abuse (simulated).

A movie to rent, not to own.

Julianne Michelle is magnificent! Her performance is superb. The cast, consisting of Oscar winners and nominees, Golden Globe winners and nominees, is fantastic. Daryl Hannah, a lover of horses, is perfect in her role. Ms. Michelle is winner "Best Actress" for the feature film "The House is Burning" also starring Melissa Leo (Oscar winner). At age 26 Julianne Michelle has won awards in Europe and Hollywood for her excellent work in film. She is a fabulous actress and a beautiful woman. Claire Forlani is always at her best. Louis Gossett Jr. (Oscar winner) is outstanding. Michael Madsen is quite convincing as a caring best friend to the dad. And Carson Brown is adorable and gives a fine performance. Charles Durning, a great actor and a US war hero, did a good job.