Secretariat (2010 Randall Wallace)

Straightforward and unexceptional telling of the true story of 'Big Red', who set sensational records in 1973's big horse races, is exciting and polished enough. Mike Rich wrote it, suggested by William Nack's book.

Diane Lane is the housewife who takes on the business, and the various obnoxious men, to bring the horse to victory. She's supported by trainer John Malkovitch, loyal staff Margo Martindale, Nelsan Ellis (don't know what his job's called - these days it would be something like Manager of Stabling & Housing Facilities - groom, I'm reliably informed) and jockey Otto Thorwarth. Also features Dylan Walsh, James Cromwell, Fred Thompson and Scott Glenn. Not a single horse is credited, which I think is ridiculous (and unacceptable). According to this site, Big Red was played by several horses (of course), one of which, Trolley's Bay, was an actual descendant of the real horse.

Ellis was in The Soloist, The Help, The Butler, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, died sadly very young at 39.

Dean Cundey's team of cameramen capture the racing rather well. A Disney production.