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The Derby Stallion
By Grace Montgomery,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Horse story has positive message, some intense themes.
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Based on 1 parent review
Great Movie
What's the Story?
Patrick McCardle (Zac Efron) doesn't want to follow his father's dream of being a pro baseball player but instead wants to follow his own dream to race horses in the Derby Cup. Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs), a horse trainer who struggles with alcoholism, sees promise in Patrick and offers to train him. While Patrick learns how to ride and falls in love with horses, he has to convince his mom (Tonja Walker) and dad (William R. Moses) that he's serious about racing, all while battling Randy (Michael Nardelli), the neighborhood bully and champion rider. But with Houston's wise training and the support of the pretty new girl, Jill (Crystal Hunt), Patrick can prove he has what it takes to be a Derby winner.
Is It Any Good?
It has a clichéd premise with some pretty stereotypical characters (the privileged rich kid who's a bully; the wise mentor who's a person of color; the wholesome, blond working-class hero). But The Derby Stallion does try to go a little deeper than your average horse tale. Houston's history, in particular, digs into some interesting themes about race relations, class, and why people use alcohol to cope. It's a somewhat shallow exploration but appropriate given that it's a family film.
Animal lovers may wish there were more scenes of actual horse riding (and that what is shown were more realistic), but they'll still probably enjoy watching Patrick learn to love horses. Parents will like the clean and positive messages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about alcoholism. How do you think Houston's troubled past contributed to his problem with alcohol? Why do you think some people struggle with addiction and others don't?
Why do you think people like Randy bully other kids?
What's your favorite horse movie? Why is it your favorite?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 4, 2005
- On DVD or streaming: June 2, 2009
- Cast: Zac Efron , Bill Cobbs , Crystal Hunt
- Director: Craig Clyde
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 98 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: June 19, 2023
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