Flicka DVD Review
A remake of My Friend Flicka tells the story of a girl and her horse
Flicka (n.) - Swedish term for a good-looking spirited girl.
Alison Lohman plays Kate McLaughlin, a 16 year old who would rather be a rancher than have her nose stuck in books. But the dream her parents (played by Tim McGraw and Maria Bello) have is of their daughter going to college. Still, summer comes and Kate can only think of being back on the ranch and riding the horses. While on a ride she encounters a wild mustang and becomes convinced that only she can tame him.
While this updated version of the 1949 film, My Friend Flicka has its heart in the right place, it fails in most areas. Where it tries to be funny, it's actually corny. Where it tries to make a point, it slams you over the head. Nowhere is there any real subtext as much of it is lost in the clunky nature of the dialogue - which also doubles as narrative in most parts.
The difference between the spirit of the original and its remake is this; In My Friend Flicka, an unruly mischievous boy is given a colt to teach him responsibility. In Flicka, a girl finds a wild horse whom she relates and along the way, seems to find some direction in her life. Or, rather, attempts to convince her father of the direction she wishes her life to take. Now this would be all well and good except for, other than a few bumps and bruises, there is no real consequence to her actions beyond her father's fury. The ending was so clean I could've eaten off the plate it was served on.
20th Century Fox releases the title on a flipper disc so you can choose a Full Screen or Widescreen viewing experience. It also has audio commentary with Director Michael Mayer, deleted scenes with a blooper and gag reel.
