People are voting emotionally.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

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.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

From Hayes' and Milicevics's story/script, director Charles Waid has given us a film that will be enjoyed for decades....one that should warm many hearts. Those who put this type of movie down most probably are the very ones who need to get its message the most: nice people in a good story, with a thrilling ending.....Disney, or not.Mackenze Astin was wonderful as "Iron Will". The kind of young man he portrays is not seen too often, in modern-day USA. Didn't you expect to see him whip-out his cell-phone and call for help when he needed it? How can it matter if the story is actually true ? It's the message of determination and upholding good, human qualities that wins the heart. How inspiring to see a film which teaches us that teenagers should know they are necessary to keep a family going, not taking for granted they are owed everything, and are willing to make their own way.Kevin Spacey ("Harry Kingsley") showed his skill at playing any role. His writing "from the heart" certainly helped inspire "Will's" determination to overcome all obstacles which stood in his way, no matter what - the reaction between racer and dogs was graphically detailed in this film. Amazing ! George Gerdes Guillarson ("Borg") as the evil opponent was skilfully played, showing there is always a war between honest participation and almost criminal behind-the-scene dealing in any competitive sport. All of the racers' roles were wonderfully played. Every role was cast to perfection.Sappy or not, we need more films like "Iron Will." I rate it at "20" -

SPOILERS Wow, my second Disney movie in two days. I must be going insane. Anyway, I liked this movie way more than I thought I would. When I watched it I thought it was going to be a typical "Disney movie with sloppy plot and a normal kid saves day" kind of movie. I was wrong. This was a great movie and for once a child did not save the day. It was a teenager. I also could not believe that Kevin Spacey was in this movie. Kevin Spacey, for crying out loud!Here is the plot of this movie. After Will Stoneman's father dies in a tragic sledding accident Will has to try to take care of his family. He starts to become the man of the house. The only problem is that he does not have any money to provide for his family. The only way to get money is to enter a dog-sledding race. If he wins he will receive $10,000, which was a lot back then. Since he is so young people do not think that he is going to win, or live, but a reporter makes Will famous. Will discovers that the climate is not the worst of the troubles, it is the people who are determined to win. In the end Will wins the race by the scruff of his neck.Overall, this is a terrific Disney and family film. There are some dark parts in this, and it is not Academy Award winning material, but trust me, you will discover that this will be much better than you would think. For some strange reason White Fang and this seem similar. Maybe it is because I saw both movies in the same week, and they both have teenagers in them and they have to do with dogs. Anyway, this is a great family movie that you should not miss. This is one of the most impressive movies I have seen since Witness.8/10Recommended Films: White Fang, Balto, Call Of The Wild.

I don't watch a lot of Disney's live action movies because the majority of them can be broken down to the same plot, but Iron Will is worth watching because it's supposed to be based on a true story. It has great strength and determination and explores the extent of the human spirit as well as pride the USA once had in its heroes. A young hero, Mackenzie Astin, formerly of the "Facts of Life" series, against all odds, both human and natural, somehow wins a snow sled race and becomes a man in the process. Like I said, typical Disney fare, but this movie tells that story much more strongly and directly than any other Disney version. I'd play this movie to teach my kids some values.

No surprises here as a young man overcomes prejudice, harsh weather, and evil men and their henchmen as he attempts to win a big sled race. All this so he can save the family farm and have enough money to go to college. Interesting, but this ground has been plowed many times before. Lots of chills and thrills.