The Derby Stallion (2005)

A disillusioned old horse trainer befriends a teenage boy struggling to form his own identity. The old man has trouble with alcohol; the boy with bullies. His father is pushing his love--baseball--on the boy, who does not have interest.I was struck by the beauty of the authentic filming location and the realistic ambiance that pervades the scenes, particularly through the sounds of nature. Heartwarming musical scores complete the effect of a "feel good" movie experience, which is the type I prefer. The closing credits roll as Billy Preston sings "Winner," wrapping up another good-triumphs-over-evil movie.

I had avoided The Derby Stallion ever since it came out, because I was so much more concerned with other movies (of course), and I really never took the time to even care about seeing it. One day it was about time to leave the movie rental place, so I just grabbed it thoughtlessly because I didn't see anything else that was worth the renting at the time, and ran on to check out. I'm glad I finally got around to it, because this movie was a nice little film and I really enjoyed it. Of course there were things wrong with it, but the movie entertained me so much and the characters and plot were considerably likable. Although I'm not much of a horse movie lover, this movie sparked an immediate interest in me when it came on. Maybe it was because Zac Efron's in it, or maybe it just has that click from the start, either way, I was intrigued, haha. I thought it was around overly decent, and of course I knew when I finished it I wouldn't be saying, "Oh my god, this movie was perfect, it's the best movie I've ever seen!" but I tell you one thing I did not say, and that's "This movie was horrible, it's the worst movie ever". The Derby Stallion is really just a fun film that is worth the watch if you have the time, and aside from minor problems, like the way they filmed it and some people not being able to act out parts very well, this was an unexpected surprise. Sure, it's not great, and even though it shouldn't be at the top of your list, if you are interested, see it, for it was enjoyable.

Horses and Zac Efron, a match made in cinematic heaven, right? Oh, how you could not be more wrong. Although I find Zac Efron to be one of the hottest (if not the hottest) man on the planet, his perfect body and alluring charm did not even captivate me enough to keep my eyes open. From an equestrian's point of view, this movie was also terrible. The fact that it's impossible for someone to become a steeplechaser in several weeks makes the plot completely fallible (I've been riding for 7+ years and I am no where near ready, and I compete at 3'). Not to mention the plot already was completely predictable. But whatever. Apparently if you are a really hot, oppressed teenage boy whose parents want you to be a "real" athlete and play baseball, you can get on a horse (after falling more times than is really necessary, the horse was already trained and it was rearing/bucking? Come on. A horse does not need to gain "trust" necessarily for you to sit on its back), be jumping cross rails in a week (over and over, might I add, which proved absolutely nothing), and be steeple chasing in a few months. If you don't know what steeple chasing is, it's basically a race, but you jump. So a race with X amount of horses all jumping the same things at the same time going speeds that regular racehorses are at. Pretty much racing only 100x more dangerous. And it's definitely not Zac Efron jumping, obviously, since none of the camera angles are of his whole body during the entire race scene. Oh, and guess who wins?

OK, lets get the obvious out of the way, Zack Efron is in this movie. That said, there's really not much positive to say about this boy coming of age film. The acting is OK, the camera work is OK, the continuity leaves a lot to be desired as previously mentioned, the story is painfully predicable (spoiler alert, watch the opening menu long enough and you know he races)...Probably the most disappointing thing about the film is it's lack of justice. A good sense of justice and good prevailing completely is essential in a family movie. That does not happen in this film. The two "bad guys" (Michael Nardelli and Colton James) really tear it up and should have been arrested following the race (lets add a little drama), but we don't even see Nardelli when he loses, so there isn't even a chance to rub it in a bit. It's unfortunate, but I can't recommend this movie....unless you absolutely must see Zac Efron.