Parents' Guide to

Second Chances

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Tearjerker about a brave girl and the horse she loves.

Movie G 2010 107 minutes
Second Chances Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

nobbsy
nobbsy Adult
June 7, 2013
age 7+

A Real Tear Puller

From the point of view of a girl aged 7-9, who loves horses, I don't think there 's any doubt that this is a 5 star movie. Older viewers may find some faults, but I would be surprised if young girls do not adore it. As one 9 year Amazon reviewer put it, "second chances is a gggggrrrrreat mmmovviieee and a real tearpuller." Young viewers will probably not notice that Ginger, the female horse, acquires a penis now and then. Or, if they do notice, they probably won't care.
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What's the Story?

After a car accident kills her father and leaves one of her legs crippled, 10-year-old Sunny (Kelsey Mulrooney) is devastated and depressed. When she moves with her mother to a trailer neighboring a stable, she meets Ginger, a stubborn horse who immediately bonds with Sunny. With help from rodeo legend Ben (Tom Amandes), Sunny learns to tame, ride, and take care of Ginger, and is inspired to work as hard as she can to not only lose her crutches but to enter and win in the rodeo competition.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

For lovers of all-things equine (especially kids), SECOND CHANCES is a heartwarming comeback kid film. The acting is above average for children's movies (and there's even a cameo from legendary character actor Charles Napier), and there's enough excitement and drama both on and off the stable to keep the entire family engaged.

For younger or less mature viewers, the themes of death and loss may be too much to handle, and while the story itself ends predictably enough (although it does take some unanticipated twists here and there), Second Chances should prove entertaining and inspiring fare for those who love horses and rodeos.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the responsibilities of caring for a horse. How accurately do you think the film depicts life around the stables and the rodeos? How does Sunny's caring for Ginger give her hope and optimism after the tragedy she has experienced?

  • What is the meaning of the movie's title?

Movie Details

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