Flicka
(2006)
Picture: C+ Sound: B- Extras: C Film: C
Trying
for more family-friendly fare, Fox has dug into their franchise archive and
decided to remake their 1943 classic My
Friend Flicka with Roddy McDowall.
This 2006 remake is simply called Flicka
and it was a moderate theatrical hit, but had director Michael Mayer directed
something that was more than just safe competent corporate product, this could
have had at least some of the charm of the original.
Alison
Lohman is Katy, who cannot keep her mind on her work since she loves horses and
home so much. She cannot seem to get
through school despite the wishes of her father (Tim McGraw turning in an OK
acting performance) and things get worse (and much more melodramatic) when
tragedy strikes. Though done sincerely,
it just lacks the charm of the original and cannot sustain its 95 minutes. The addition of the underrated Maria Bello
helps, but even she can only help so much.
Though child safe, try the original first.
The
anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is soft throughout, though color is not
bad and all are an improvement from the awful pan and scan 1.33 X 1
flipside. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is a
little better than the picture, but what little depth it had is paired down for
the 1.33 version. Extras include deleted
scenes with optional commentary, full length audio commentary by Mayer, a
McGraw Music Video for the single from the film’s soundtrack and a
bloopers/gags reel.
- Nicholas Sheffo
