Dream Horse movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: Dream Horse

Now available in theaters and on Video on Demand, like Amazon.

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RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 53 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Dream Alliance is an unlikely racehorse bred by small-town Welsh bartender Jan Vokes. With no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream in the hopes he can compete with the racing elites. It sounds like a whimsical tale, but it’s actually based on a true story! Even more amazing is that all of the events happened just a few years ago.

The inspirational movie was directed by Euros Lyn.

THINGS I LIKED:

Australian Toni Collette has had quite a career in movies and is such a wonderful chameleon of actresses, easily changing her accents and look to fit the role. She does a fantastic job in this film.
A Welsh actor was originally cast for the role of Howard Davies, but US distributors wanted an actor who would be more familiar to American audiences, so Damian Lewis was cast instead. Good choice.
Some of the accents are very thick, making it difficult to understand what’s being spoken. That being said, the flavor of the movie looks, feels, and sounds very authentic to my imperfect “Welshometer”. I’ve been to Wales once, about 5 years ago. What a beautiful, charming country. You’ll fall in love with Wales as you learn about the people and culture. So fun. I love all the singing the people spontaneously break out into.
Owen Teale looked so different with and without teeth! Were those tattoos on his ears like earrings? I’ve never seen that! He also has the word “LOVE” tattooed on his hand. It was really touching when the camera showed that hand as he placed it on his wife’s shoulder to comfort her in a time of need.
Lots of colorful characters that are instantly endearing.
Wow! You get to see a horse ultrasound. I’ve never seen that before!
It’s predictable and formulaic, but that underdog formula is a real crowd pleaser!
You can’t help but feel excited during the races.
It’s very touching in moments and, ultimately, is a movie so much more than about horseracing.
Keep watching during the rolling credits to see pictures of the real people the story the movie is based on. But wait! There’s even more! See a really cute musical number with the actors and the real people they play.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The movie is very well made and I really couldn’t think of anything I didn’t like!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids might be bored unless they’re into horses
Lots of alcohol consumption

THEMES:

Dreams
Ambition
Passion for living
Hope
Good breeding and hard work
Community
The importance of having something to look forward to
Marriage

FUNNY LINES:

“Don’t judge me, mam. They’re my only solace.” – Maureen (Sian Phillips) in the grocery store who was loading up her basket with chocolates. Supposedly, they’re a popular brand made in Scotland
“So I can evade tax, but I can’t avoid tax?” – Nerys (Di Botcher)

INTERESTING LINES:

“This is what you were born to do. Be brave and brilliant.” – Jan Vokes (Toni Collette)
“We lost our jobs, our community, even our pride. And then Dream came along and reminded us what life is like when you have hope.” – Jan Vokes (Toni Collette)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A