danlevans

If you like comedies the whole family can see and enjoy. This is a movie for you. But it is more than a good comedy of life an wonderful characters in a poor Mexican community in Monterry California. First is the most improbable casting that worked so well. I can picture Spencer Tracy cast as most any character except for a Mexican passion, wise in somethings and dumb -- plain foolish -- in others. He managed the role wonderfully. Hedy Lamar -- a peasant girl looking for a man with a job who could make her a work at home mom with many babies. She pulled it off with a sizzle. Most of all it was a very thought provoking movie. If followed the ideas of the famous book by John Stienbeck most accurately. Showing how we tend to get into ruts in life and using the wonderful Northern California landscape to show some overlooked opportunities to live well. If you want to really get into this movie read the book first.

The music of the fifties generation showcased wonderfully -- along with some of the problems of that time. Both music and message are powerfully presented. Ray Charles though blind could hear and then embellish music with his style. Having lived through the fifties and sixties in the South I can vouch for the authenticity of this film. In my book and ear Elvis did not hold a candle to Ray. The acting was excellent especially Jamie Foxx as Ray. I normally either get up and leave or hit the clicker when the final credits roll. I watched them all in this movie -- just to hear the music. When it was over I was aching for more. Listening to this film will give you a new appreciation for the music of the fifties. A must see and hear.

Beautifully ties together the nation's struggle to get out of the depression and become the richest nation in the world to a small horse and big jockey overcoming many adversities to become the horse of the century. It was somewhat slow until all of the characters were set then WHAMOO! what a finish. Just like Seabiscuit ran his races.