hyped garbage

Watch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Why are all the horse movies about girls now? Sure, more girls than guys like "ponies," but boys like horses too! The bond between a man and his horse is one as old as time! From conquistador to Cowboy, horses are a part of history, and, more often than not, it was men who rode them! The only real exception to the "girls like horses" I've seen lately is War Horse- It managed to blend both guys and girls, as it should be, as it is in real life! Now to step off of my soap box and get on with a real review... Flicka was a good movie, in some ways better than the original, but in others inferior. Tim Mcgraw did well, as did the actress who played Katie. But all credit goes to the horse and the beautiful scenery for this movie! It's definitely a movie any horse lover can enjoy! I've probably rambled on a bit much and babbled on like an idiot, but once again, the movie was enjoyable, and I would recommend it.

Flicka is a feel-good family film in the spirit of Shiloh which was all the rage when I was a kid. I was in my late teens when Flicka came out and I was not interested at all-a movie about a girl and her horse. Gee, wonder how this will end? But, after taking a closer look at the cast-oh fine, Alison Lohman-I gave it a chance and was quite surprised. Sixteen year old Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) is a country girl at heart, she longs for the open fields and the farmstead as opposed to her boarding school which is where we find her in the opening scenes. Her father, Rob (Tim McGraw) thinks she is destined for college and something more. These two bump heads throughout the entire movie, yet, you still feel the love between them through it all. Katy finds a wild mustang in hills and falls head over heels for the creature. Her father who owns a quarter horse ranch will hear nothing of keeping the horse. Ignoring her father's wishes, Katy works with the horse in secrecy and slowly the two form an amazing bond. While the movie isn't perfect, it has a lot going for it, most notably the cast. Lohman and McGraw are perfect as father-daughter, just barley pushing the envelope, yet always managing to keep it just right. In their own respects, they both deliver amazingly well as opposed to over-the-top. Ryan Kwanten is Howard, the older brother to Katy and the opposite of her-everything their father wants for her he wants. He does quite well, torn between staying true to his father and the farm and helping Katy reunite with Flicka. Finally, there's mom Nell (Maria Bello) who is the peacekeeper and the glue that holds the family and the farm together. She is the one that truly sees the bond between Katy and Flicka; unfortunately she battles with Rob who is stubborn and thick-headed. What I truly enjoyed was the suspense and not knowing whether this was going to be a happily ever after (Shiloh) or a tragic tear-jerker (The yearling, Old Yeller). This was never truly apparent until the last few minutes of the movie, constantly you get yanked up and down like a yo-yo, thinking its going one way, then it takes off in another. The scenery is beautifully breathtaking, the script walks a fine line of clichés and just barley keeps it from being too washed-out, and the cast delivers everything perfectly. Lohman's Katy is at once strong-willed and stubborn, yet has a gentle soul that she bares through her eyes, those deep brown bedroom eyes that dare you to blink and miss a second. Her loyalty and never-ending love for Flicka caused even me to shed several tears, both in her pain and her happiness. McGraw-what's up with all these singers thinking they can act?-is quite good here, though his performance in Friday Night Lights was just a tad deeper and better in a different way. Throughout all the fights and conflicts at the end of the day all he truly wants is his daughter to be happy and safe. One scene really sticks out even now as I type this where he talks to Katy that will surely tug at the heart-strings (once you see it, you'll know the one). Kwanten is great as the big brother and son who would rather have the opportunities Katy has. Despite the fact I can only think of one scene where I internally clapped for him, it was still a deep one. Bello is mom and ties with Lohman as the best acting for me. She is just trying to keep everyone happy and heads above water, always the optimist. Did I already mention Lohman? Oh well, here it is again, her eyes will captivate you, her smile could knock a dove from a tree, and her commitment to the role is genuine 100%.

If you just want to watch a sappy horse story, okay, this movie is one. But if you think you are going to see a movie based on Mary O'Hara's book, you will be sorely disappointed and disgusted. There was absolutely no reason to 'update' the story. Mary O'Hara would 'turn over in her grave' if she'd been forced to watch this travesty. It is not 'true' to the book. It is NOTHING like the book. The original movie "My Friend Flicka" starring Roddy McDowall, Foster Preston, etc. is far far far better a movie.You should rent it, you'll see what I mean. Better yet, actually READ the book, since apparently you did not if you think THIS movie is 'true' to the book.

I have trained un-broken horses and instructed young riders for a few years. Currently I am a Mounted Patrol officer. Please take what I say very seriously. I am very concerned about children endangering themselves based on "lessons" they might learn from this movie. As an officer on horseback I am used to having children literally run up to my horse. A normal horse, without special training would have injured/run away from these children. It bothers me that parents usually stand back and laugh as their children run at our horses. I believe both children and parents are getting the wrong idea about horses and the way they act based on movies like this one that continue the mis-notion. This movie teaches: 1) That if you get on a wild mustang's back, that has never had a rider it will miraculously understand! Oh, you may fall off a time or two, but that's alright!REAL LESSON: It takes weeks, months to even "green" break a horse (walk, trot, canter) Even the process of adding weight to a horse's back and riding equipment is done slowly and gradually. The young girl here goes against the horse's natural nature and defies all safety/acts bratty towards her Father when he tries to correct her.2) It's okay to steal/run away with a horse in the woods/rainstorm!REAL LESSON: I think you understand this one.other things that are just wrong: Galloping a horse in the rain, "talking" to the horse as if its a human instead of using riding cues, not wearing a helmet (Many Western riders do not, but on a green-broke horse this is just asking for trouble).I'm worried that someone's young daughter is going to wander into a neighbor's pasture and approach a horse thinking it will "magically" become her friend. I've seen a little boy injured because he hid into a strange horse's stall believing it was his "friend." This movie does not at all encourage realistic, safe relationships between horses and riders. If you do let your children watch this version of Flicka, try to explain to them that horses are animals and Katy's behavior is wrong. If they want riding lessons after this movie talk to your instructor about how to act around a "real" horse. Encourage them to read books such as "Pony Pals" or "The Saddle Club" which usually encourage safer practices/life lessons. It will be better for your family, I assure you.