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Matt's chat with Dakota Fanning (Audio/mp3) -http://www.mungleshow.com/d_fanning.mp3 (There is an _ between d and fanning)

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story is a tale about a horse that is if truth be told not a movie about a horse. I mean a horse is a horse of course of course. But this film is actually about family. It is a look at how we sometimes allow circumstances, pride, and just about anything to keep us from living life with those closest to us. Many times it takes a third party, in this case a horse, to draw us together and force us to face the human race.

Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) is a trainer on the outs with his dad (Kris Kristofferson) and estranged from his wife Lily (Elisabeth Shue) and
daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning).  When he takes on the burden of nursing an injured race horse back to health it will draw them together as a family if it doesn't cause them to lose everything first. You may find it hard to get past the first impression that this is just another "Seabiscuit" or "Racing Stripes."

When asked what makes this film so different from the others, Fanning responded, "Well, this movie is about a family really, it's about family relationships and it kind of has a horse in it and involves horse racing. I wouldn't really call it a horse-racing movie, it's about the characters and the horse is just a part of the characters.  It's more about this horse that brings this family together. It's about never giving up and following your dreams."

Though this movie is about families there isn't a whole lot new in its story and plot. Unless you count the presence of Dakota Fanning there is nothing that makes this movie stand out or place it above the other fodder from the past. But young Dakota as always is amazing in this role. She is open and real and puts 110% into the emotion of her character. I could lie and say that it was popcorn salt in my eye but the truth is that though the plot is heart lifting, it is Fanning's performance that makes it so memorable.

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story is rated PG for brief mild language. There is nothing offensive and you will be safe to make this a family outing film.

The Mungle (10/20/05)

Matt hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com