Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Myers
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wholesome family drama about a teen and her horse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
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Heart of a Champion
What's the Story?
HEART OF A CHAMPION centers on Charlie (YaYa Gosselin), a teen who's dealing with her parents' divorce and settling into a new high school. Charlie spends lots of time daydreaming about riding horses, so when her father, Troy (Edward Furlong), tells his best friend, Clint (Casper Van Dien), that he would get her anything, Charlie asks for a horse. But on their way to buy one, Charlie and Clint find a horse on the side of the road. They can't track down the owner, so they take the horse back to the ranch while they figure out what to do next. Charlie starts to bond with the horse while she learns to ride. After her friend Zach (Carson Cunningham) suggests that she enter the rodeo doing barrel racing, Charlie learns more about the sport and is eager to enter the competition. Then Charlie gets lost and Chango, her horse, is slightly injured. That upsets her mom, who thinks the horse needs to go and wants Charlie to give up riding. And after Charlie gets accused of cheating and suspended from school, it seems like her dreams are over. Can the situation be fixed in time to convince her mom to let her compete?
Is It Any Good?
This drama is wholesome but a bit lackluster, with a story that verges on predictable and contrived. Some of the acting feels a bit stiff, too: The film only scratches the surface on the characters, and while there's opportunity in certain situations to have empathy for what the characters are going through, the problems resolve almost too quickly. Still, the film is enjoyable and can be viewed by kids of almost all ages -- and will be an especial hit with animal lovers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Heart of a Champion addresses divorce. Can you think of other movies that have dealt with that topic?
In one scene, Clint tells Zach that a man's word is his bond. What does that mean? Is it OK to tell a lie if you think you're helping out a friend?
Was there ever a time when you were accused of something you didn't do? What happened? Did your family and/or friends believe and support you?
How does Charlie demonstrate courage? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : February 21, 2023
- Cast : Casper Van Dien , Yaya Gosselin , Edward Furlong , Jojo Marie
- Director : Brad Keller
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School ) , Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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