"FLICKA"
DVD Review
by Kevin Carr
| MOVIE: *** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Tim McGraw as ROB MCLAUGHLIN Maria Bello as NELL MCLAUGHLIN Alison Lohman as KATY MCLAUGHLIN Ryan Kwanten as HOWARD MCLAUGHLIN Danny Pino as JACK Dallas Roberts as GUS Kaylee DeFer as MIRANDA KOOP Rated PG Studio: 20th Century Fox Directed by: Michael Mayer Back to DVD Review Home |  |
Although audiences and critics alike bemoan the fact that so many remakes are issued each year by Hollywood, it is often this remake reason that saves the film. The family flick “Flicka” is a stellar example of this. Were it not for the fact that a 1940s storyline was shoehorned into a 2006 movie, I wouldn’t be so kind.
However, I understand that with a remake, the challenge isn’t just to make an entertaining film, but to also make one that honors the original. There were some rough spots in the film, but I imagine these were due to trying to update the story. Let’s face it. The demise of the family farm doesn’t hold as much weight to the American audience as it did when “My Friend Flicka” was release in 1943.
Still, the movie pushes the right buttons. I’m not the target audience at all, consider I’m neither a teenage girl or the father of one. I relate more to a movie like “Old Yeller,” which would be equally as clunky if they made a modern remake.
“Flicka” follows 16-year-old Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) who is struggling at a private school. On her summer home, he fights with her father (Tim McGraw) who would rather have her finish school than work on the family’s ranch. He’s got his son Howard (Ryan Kwanten) in mind for that. Of course, it doesn’t help that Howard wants nothing to do with the ranch.
One day, a wild horse finds its way on their land. Katy quickly sees herself in the mustang – a free spirit who doesn’t want to be tied down. When her family captures the horse, she tries to befriend it, at times putting her own safety at risk.
“Flicka” is a beautifully made film from a technical standpoint. The scenery is incredible, and the cinematography captures the beauty of the west perfectly. As far as acting goes, the cast is decent. Tim McGraw shouldn’t quit country music anytime soon. He turns in a fine performance, but it’s nothing to write home about.
The real star of the film is Alison Lohman, who has proved herself as a notable younger actor many times before. In some ways, this stock plot and somewhat cheesy family flavor of the film is a bit beneath her talent, but she brings a level of credibility to the movie that McGraw and company can’t really muster.
The DVD comes with some of McGraw’s music videos and commentary by director Michael Mayer. There’s quite a few deleted scenes with commentary and an overly long gag reel.
I would recommend “Flicka” to any girl who’s into horses. That’s a no-brainer. But it’s also a nice piece for fathers and daughters to watch together. While Katy is headstrong and often overreacts, this is perfectly natural for a teenage girl. The film approaches life firmly on Katy’s side, and while she’s not always in the right, it feels like she is. “Flicka” is also a safe bet for a family film that doesn’t get too corny.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Widescreen (2.35:1) – Enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Spanish and French language tracks. Spanish subtitles. English subtitles for the hearing impaired.
