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List Price: $6.99 | | Label: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
Salesrank: 1960
Released: June 5, 2007 |
| Our Price: $1.99 |
| Used Price: $0.74 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
The Derby Stallions stars Zac Efron, today's hottest teen heartthrob and star of High School Musical. The film was the Winner of the 2006 Great Lakes Independent Film Festival, the Best Feature Winner at the 2006 New York International Independent Film & Video Festival, and the Winner of the 2005 London Children's Film Festival. It also has received the Dove Seal of Approval Award for Family Viewing. The DVD bonus features include: Cast Interviews, Stories from the Shoot, Photo Montage, Three Audio Song Tracks by Billy Preston. The DVD Rom features are: Printable Photos, Wallpaper, Screen Saver, and Buddy Icons.
Description of The Derby Stallion:
Part of growing up is discovering something that inspires a true passion within and allowing that passion to guide one's actions and choices. The process of self-discovery isn't easy, and when 15-year-old Patrick McCardle (High School Musical's Zac Efron) realizes that playing baseball is more his father's dream than his own, it's an unlikely friendship with old man Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs), a recluse and horse trainer, that inspires Patrick's newfound passion for the exciting world of horse jumping. Patrick and his father (William R. Moses) clash over Patrick's decision to give up baseball and spend time training for the Derby Cup race with Houston, but eventually Patrick and his father come to a mutual understanding and gain a whole new sense of respect for one another as they begin to really talk about and listen to each other's dreams and desires. The road to becoming a derby rider is difficult, but as Houston and Patrick work together, the two share dreams and disappointments and become incredibly close. In the end, Houston, a most unlikely role model, winds up having a profoundly positive impact on Patrick's life both on and off the racetrack. (Ages 5 and older) --Tami Horiuchi
The Derby Stallion Reviews:
Well, at least there isn't smut in this... 
2008-06-16 - This was a really poorly-made movie. We appreciate the fact that we only borrowed it from the library and didn't spend money on it. We are also happy that we don't have to hide it from younger viewers.
Maybe it is just that we have sophisticated taste. First of all, the movie was just poorly directed, as the story line was gentle and probably could have passed as a good film. Some of the actors had potential, but the lines were weak, and in many cases, very random to the scenes. The lighting was also very poor. Often, the focus was poor as well, and many times it was hard to define the objects or people in the scene, or what was happening in the scene. In certain situations, the words being said seemed to have been duped in, and would come after the character had turned their back on the camera.
Some examples of discrepancies were when the main actor, named Patrick, met the new girl named Jill. He invited her to a barbecue, and she knew nobody else there. However, as his parents are visiting with the actor named "Houston", Jill walks up and links her arm into Patrick's mother's arm--like they have been very close for a long time. In various scenes, as Patrick is learning to ride, or even when he is just walking the horse on lead, the film is suddenly in slow motion. In one particular scene, the camera switches between Patrick and the horse, and Patrick's father visiting with Houston, the scene being "normal speed" when they show Houston and the father, but then is back in slow motion when they show Patrick riding again. As a viewer, I got the impression that the person filming (or possibly editing) is trying out new techniques with very little experience.
We actually found that we only kept watching to find out at first if it would get better, and later, just to laugh at the antics and attempts made by the actors, directors and editors.
Having said all that, I appreciate that they were trying to make a good family movie that eliminated the need to cover your small children's eyes or ears. However, in most cases I find it hard to believe that it would retain the interest of a child over the age of 7 or 8 years old. Our children range in age from 3 to nearly 20, so it is not a particularly interesting movie all of our family could enjoy. Classics like "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", "Sound of Music", "Fiddler on the Roof" or "Wizard of Oz" can entertain our whole family. This type of movie just can not.
9-year-old daughter LOVES it 
2008-01-14 - I haven't viewed it yet, but my 9-year-old daughter said it's her "Favorite movie ever!"
good family flick 
2008-01-12 - Bought this for our 2-year-old who is horse crazy, and turns out the whole family enjoyed watching it. Just a feel good movie in which a boy endures trials and triumphs on his way to success. Good messages for kids of all ages; even my 13-year-old said it wasn't bad, and our 9-year-old really liked it too.
A Pretty Good Movie
2007-10-11 - It's a cute family movie. It's gets predictable in places but still a good message for young viewers. I like this movie and it's a good family night movie for family's with young children.
lame lame lame
2007-10-06 - I would've given this 0 stars if I could have. If your looking for a solid low budget film you have found it. Don't waste your time on this movie. The filming was comical for the fact it was so lousy! I would've rather spent my time watching the grass grow in my back yard!
