Shannon's Rainbow

While the acting was not Oscar winning, it was competent. It was nice to see Louis Gossett Jr. back in movies though to think this was Charles Durning's last movie makes one wince. Make no mistake, the movie is predictable. For those who love racing, they will like the movie provided they can deal with the artistic changes to conform to time constraints. The race scenes were very good.

My problem comes with some of the editorial decisions. I winced at a couple of scenes which may be considered rough for those sensitive to animal rights and children. The movie didn't fully develop some of the back stories of the trainers.

The movie is promoted as being family friendly. I would suggest Amazing Racer is not a movie for those under ten or sensitive to animal abuse (simulated).

A movie to rent, not to own.

Julianne Michelle is magnificent! Her performance is superb. The cast, consisting of Oscar winners and nominees, Golden Globe winners and nominees, is fantastic. Daryl Hannah, a lover of horses, is perfect in her role. Ms. Michelle is winner "Best Actress" for the feature film "The House is Burning" also starring Melissa Leo (Oscar winner). At age 26 Julianne Michelle has won awards in Europe and Hollywood for her excellent work in film. She is a fabulous actress and a beautiful woman. Claire Forlani is always at her best. Louis Gossett Jr. (Oscar winner) is outstanding. Michael Madsen is quite convincing as a caring best friend to the dad. And Carson Brown is adorable and gives a fine performance. Charles Durning, a great actor and a US war hero, did a good job.

In a world of "shoot em up" movies and horrible stories in the news of violence and death, it's nice to find a family-safe movie. It's a great story about a teen coping with loss through her training of a lame horse. The film has lots of emotion, actresses and actors that have a house-hold name, and it was set and filmed in the Pittsburgh area. Cineametographer Dean Cundy, the man behind Jurassic Park's beautiful scenes, does a great job with sharp images, bright colors, and racing scenes that put you in the action. And I thought actor Jason Gedrick did a great performance and stole the movie. There's even a funny cameo with Steve Guttenburg and the late Charles Durning, which I believe is his last performance. Check it out!

I enjoyed this movie based on a true story lived by the writer John Mowod.

After the death of her father Shannon discovers that her mother is still living: a great shock for her: mother and daughter meet together for the first time in Florida and Christine proposes Shannon to spend her holiday with her in Pennsylvania. Shannon doesn't feel well in this new world and repeats that she hate horses. But when she enters into the stable she sees a young filly and feels empathy for the filly. Eric, the campanion of Christine offers her to work in the office and to take care for some horses. Little by little Shannon will pratice harness racing. This will help her to improve her self-esteem and then to strengthen her relationship with her mother.

Very good performances of Julianne Michelle, Caire Forlani, Jason Gedrick, Stephen Colletti ,Eric Roberts and Louis Gossett Jr.