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Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Cynthia Fuchs

DREAMER: INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY focuses on the loving relationship between a girl and her horse. Young Cale (Dakota Fanning) meets racehorse Sonya when she spends a work day with her father, a trainer named Ben (terrific Kurt Russell). When Sonya breaks her leg in a race, Ben refuses to have the horse put down and buys her from the money-minded owner, Mr. Palmer (David Morse). Soon, Sonya is fit enough to race. A gruff sort, Ben has trouble showing his affection for Cale, in part because he has a difficult history with his own father, retired trainer Pop (Kris Kristofferson). Cale's mother, Lil (Elisabeth Shue) tries to help Ben overcome his disconnection, encouraging him to see the bond developing between Cale and Sonya, as well as Pop's involvement in the horse's recovery. Stable hand Balon (Luis Guzmán) and jockey Manolin (Freddy Rodriguez) also help in her remarkable recovery. In competition against his brother, wealthy Prince Sadir (Oded Fehr) decides to finance Sonya's comeback.

Is It Any Good?

4

Charming, predictable, and good fun for kids, John Gatins' movie stretches credibility (with a spotty record, Sonador is invited to run in the prestigious Breeder's Cup), but it is sweet as can be, enhanced by gorgeous tracking shots over wide Kentucky expanses, and earnest father-daughter exchanges. Russell is phenomenal, utterly convincing even when saddled with clichéd dialogue that initially sets him against Cale: "She's not a pet," and "Every racehorse is for sale!".

Cale feeds Sonya popsicles, and the horse follows her around in the paddock, in adorable, swelling-strings-scored scenes that will delight young viewers. While Cale and Sonya make the movie great for kids, the evolving relationship between Cale and Ben provides some substance for parents too.

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