Secretariat

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Secretariat

PG

2010

2h 3m

Drama

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

156 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Despite her lack of experience, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over management of the family Thoroughbred farm after her father (Scott Glenn) becomes ill. Successfully navigating her way through the male-dominated world of horse racing, Chenery, together with veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), fosters a gifted colt that ultimately crosses the finish line into history as the Triple Crown winner in 1973.

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Critics Consensus

Rousing, heartwarming, and squarely traditional, Secretariat offers exactly what you'd expect from an inspirational Disney drama -- no more, and no less.

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Robbie Collin

News of the World

12/05/2010

2/5

I'm sick of the simpering American morons who lap up this rubbish.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

12/02/2010

1/5

Just when we thought John Malkovich didn't have another semi-intentionally deranged performance left in him, he has come storming back with another uproarious turn...

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Eve Barlow

Empire Magazine

12/02/2010

2/5

Despite a decent performance from Lane as the homespun trainer, Secretariat is more blind alley than Blind Side.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

07/13/2022

This zoological enigma is captured in a drama with personality, the only one within the genre of the quadrupedal biography. [Full review in Spanish]

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Aviva Dove-Viebahn

Ms. Magazine

06/24/2021

If you love horse movies, then you'll probably love Disney's newest, much-hyped Secretariat, which fits firmly in the genre of other recent triumphant equine epics.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

04/30/2021

Secretariat works fine as a film but if you want the real truth behind the narrative, you're better off reading Bill Nack's book.

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Jackson M

@Nshvlleindie Aug 25

Secretariat's overblown and inappropriately mushy. This was in that period when Disney was sickeningly oversweet and inserted a lot of things into their biography movies that didn't exist. The voiceovers were especially cringey...the story itself is pretty dignified and fun on it's own, but Disney really hammed this up. Also, Diane Lane in white-blonde hair wasn't believable.

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Joshua m

@Flameon Aug 2

If you are old enough like me to remember the days of Secretariat, it is a pleasure revisiting this tribute to the horse and the owner.

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Kait L

11/04/2024

The movie was entertaining and inspirational! So no it is not a documentary nor an academy award winner, but engaging none the less and I suspect it has led to even more Secretariat fans. I have some vague memories of the tv announcements of his win back then and everyone was so excited, but now with social media and the ability to watch (and re-watch) movies about the event brings it more to life. The movie is well paced, with good dialogue and the acting was very good and authentic. Diane Lane is always great in any role. John Malkovich is such a treat. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Secretariat and we have seen it more than once!

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Eye C

@ECinc 11/03/2024

I wish Disney could return and continue doing movies like this one. It’s very moving well made without preaching but with a nice message.

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Samuel L

02/25/2024

10/10 definitely would recommend

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Kirsta H

02/19/2024

Great storytelling! Lost a star for too many historical inaccuracies that could've remained accurate with a still-great story. Good use of live video! Family friendly.

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Randall Wallace

Director

Diane Lane

Penny Chenery

John Malkovich

Lucien Laurin

Dylan Walsh

Jack Tweedy

Dylan Baker

Hollis Chenery

Margo Martindale

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Synopsis

Despite her lack of experience, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over management of the family Thoroughbred farm after her father (Scott Glenn) becomes ill. Successfully navigating her way through the male-dominated world of horse racing, Chenery, together with veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), fosters a gifted colt that ultimately crosses the finish line into history as the Triple Crown winner in 1973.

Director: Randall Wallace
Producer: Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Mayhem Pictures, Fast Track Productions, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG (Brief Mild Language)
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 8, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $59.7M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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