Dreamer

reviewed by by Jane Louise Boursaw

Suggested Ages: MPAA Rating: Star Rating:
6+ PG ****


Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) was once a great horseman, but now spends his time training other men's horses in Kentucky. Sonya ("Sonador" - Spanish for Dreamer) has a similar background -- once a great racehorse, her career was cut short by a broken leg. Considered as good as dead to her owner (Ben's boss), Sonya is given to Ben as severance pay, along with his walking papers.

The two find themselves back at Ben's ramshackle farm, where his daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning) convinces him to let the horse live. The determined youngster then proceeds to bring these two damaged souls together in a quest for a seemingly impossible goal: to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): The themes and content of this movie are a little too mature for this age group, but it's never too early to start teaching them about love, encouragement, and patience. Pop in a Barney or Pooh DVD instead.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): This is the perfect age for kids to absorb the themes in this movie -- believing in your dreams, encouraging others, and sacrificing everything for the people you love. Dakota Fanning -- who at 11 has more than 20 movie credits and is truly one of the best actors of her generation -- deserves special mention. Horse-loving girls will love this movie, but boys might find the absence of superheroes and spaceships a turn-off.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): Although the story's a bit predictable -- young girl nurses damaged horse back to health and decides to enter world-class race -- the addition of her father's broken dreams brings a new twist to the familiar plot. This movie won the "Truly Moving Picture" Award at the Heartland Film Festival this year, and it's easy to see why. Based on a true story, it's a heartwarming family movie that reminds us -- and our kids -- that dreams really can come true.
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Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance writer specializing in the television and movie industry. Her syndicated column, "Reel Life With Jane," is published in papers throughout the country. Email her at jboursaw@charter.net.

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