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Seabiscuit [20]
This movie has a very slow and jerky start. I suppose there is only so much you can do to establish the background for the movie in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Plenty was left to the imagination. Plenty more relied on the viewers knowledge of history (depression, the automobile) and geography (Pimlico is in the East, Santa Anita is in the West). This movie could have been 4 hours long. Heck, we could have thrown a little Bing Crosby flashback in there too, since he was a partner with Charles Howard (Seabiscuit's owner) in the Santa Anita race track.
The East coast bias still exists in the 21st century, just look at college football and basketball ratings. It might be nice for some to see the easterners get a poke in the eye.
I spotted something amiss, but someone at moviemistakes.com beat me to it. Here is the quote: "Two men are trying to start a John Deere Model D tractor, which backfires, startling Seabiscuit. The wrong sound effect is used; it sounds like a V8 engine being turned over by an electric starter. The tractor's flywheel, on the left side, is shown stationary. Turning the flywheel by hand is the usual starting procedure for a JD tractor of '30s vintage. For over 40 years John Deere tractors used a two-cylinder engine, which make a distinctive popping exhaust sound. The movie is right on one thing, JD tractors could backfire."
I am not sure about the sound, it sounded close to a newer model Deere starter to me. And those tractors could be affixed with starters. Also, I couldn't tell if it was a GP or D at that scene. More to the point, why does that bug me? It was a distraction at the most crucial moment in the film. ... Seabiscuit is practicing...Why does it take all those yahoos to start that John Deere?...what is that switch they're fooling with?... Is that the ignition on/off?...Gosh that sounds funny..., and why isn't anyone cranking the flywheel, is that a model D?...BLAM!!...Holy Hell! Didn't anyone smell gas?...Oh and by the way, the titular character of the movie just rolled over on his supporting actor.
When the movie goes, it goes. However, you know Seabiscuit can not win a race with an hour and 20 minutes worth of movie left. But he will win with 15 minutes left to go. It is a LONG movie.
Real Life super jockey Gary Stevens was very cool as movie superjockey George Woolf. Jeff Bridges was very understated as super sports promoter Charles Howard. Elizabeth Banks is quite lovely.
{BB}
See Expectation
Added: May 2nd 2004
Reviewer: BB
29 Point Scale Score:  [20]
Related Link (IMDB): IMDB
Hits: 666
Language: english
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Seabiscuit [20]
Posted by BB on 2004-12-11 11:01:14
My Score: [20]
I have reviewed the Tractor Backfire scene on the DVD. Those two clowns It appears the tractor is a 1928 John Deere Model D. That would place it at the right vintage. However, this tractor has about 70 years worth of wear on it. That is not two seasons' worth of rust as a field maintenace tractor on a Baltimore race track. The cowling is missing, exposing the gas tank. Also any logos are missing except for the front John Deere logo. As the men are trying to start it, the driver is actuating the starter somewhere on the right rear fender, which is not the likely spot for the starter button. The mechanic (credited to Gary McGurk .... Tractor Worker) is LEANING ON THE FLYWHEEL! No wonder it will not start, you need to crank the flywheel. THe electric starter does not sound remotely like the one on a John Deere as it is to fast and too high. The closest thing I can think of is a 1960's era Ford small V8. A John Deere tractor starting has a "chuff - chuff" popping sound like a small steam locomotive. The pyrotechnic is obvious too coming from the radiator and smokestack.
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