Iron Will
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Movie Reviews of Iron Will
Movie Review: When Disney was good it made movies like this
Summary: 4 Stars
There's no denying that Disney have went horribly astray in recent years, churning out pure garbage that even the most deluded of families find appalling, and all in the name of political correctness. Walt built the studio and his reputation on taking risks and pushing boundaries through the right of free speech. But the Disney label now seems to be ashamed of its past and leans toward conservative values. They have all but erased their "racist" film Song of the South from existence and show little, if any, of the courage and nerve Walt thrived upon in the 30s and 40s. I'm not sure what has provoked this alarming shift in quality from a once flawless studio. Perhaps they think that every mother out there shelters every one of her children against any and all things that can possibly contaminate their fragile minds and only the trusted House of the Mouse knows what's best.
Set in 1917 the story follows Will Stoneman (Mackenzie Astin, looking like Sean Patrick Flannery) a boy who dreams of saving the family farm and going to college. But his only chance of doing so is by winning $10,000 in a cross country dog-sled race. With little training and overwhelming odds against him he throws himself head-first into the race despite the adversity.
It's a great movie for those who love adventure, escapism, choo-choo trains, period settings and Huskies. I'm not keen on dogs in the slightest but Huskies are lovely.
Kevin Spacey and Brian Cox (as old then as he is now as the man was born middle-aged) provide good support but the movie belongs to Astin, who somehow hasn't achieved the level of fame his brother has. His acting skills are certainly not in doubt and this movie proves he's a good lead.
Iron Will is a perfect example of how far Disney has fallen in the past decade. Made in 1994, it's a solid adventure film with strong characters, lovely scenery and an uplifting story. Flash-forward to January 2002 (a mere 8 years) to the pile of crap Disney movie Snow Dogs starring Cuba Gooding Jnr. A very similar movie in terms of story but a WORLD apart in tone. One is serious and respectable, the other features multiple clichés and fart jokes.
What would you rather expose your kids to?
The DVD features a good 1.85:1 anamorphic picture with Dolby 2.0 sound, but I'd prefer a Blu Ray!
Movie Review: Enjoyable family movie about facing an incredible challenge
Summary: 4 Stars
The "professional" review calls this a "B" movie but that isn't really a good indication of how much you may enjoy watching it. This is more of a softer-edged family drama than a gritty realistic one. So what! It is, after all, a Disney movie -- one that I could show my kids as an example of what someone with determination can accomplish in the face of adversity. (Think "Rudy" or "The Greatest Game Every Played.")
Against all the odds, Will enters a long distance dog sled race (not the Iditarod) in order to save his family's home. As if the race itself isn't enough, he faces danger from a competitor who will do anything to win as well as other forces outside the race. His only support is a reporter with some mercenary as well as altruistic motives who sees a good story in the making. But everyone underestimates Will. They don't know what he's made of. Along the way, he gets a lot of help from his lead dog who is probably his best friend. Yes, it has some overly sentimental moments but overall, it's a totally enjoyable film that you can show to almost any age audience.
MacKenzie Astin is not quite as good an actor as his brother Sean, but he gets the job done creating an appealing character that you will definitely root for.
Movie Review: One Of Disney's Better Efforts
Summary: 4 Stars
How much of this story is true is up for dispute. I suspect most of it is highly exaggerated. Nonetheless, it is inspirational and fun to watch: an excellent adventure tale.
The movie reminded me of "White Fang" with the winter scenery and the young hero, played by MacKenzie Astin, looking and sounding much like Ethan Hawke. The story was simply about a dog-sled race in the early part of the 20th century.
The picture is beautifully shot, especially the train scenes, and looks very good on DVD. The villains in here aren't as despicable as in other films, so it's more pleasant to watch. I enjoyed the entire story except for the whistling at the finish line which was a bit stupid, but that's minor.
This is one of Disney's best live-action films.
Movie Review: THE RACE IS ON
Summary: 4 Stars
Admittedly contrived and predictable with stereotypical characters, Disney's 1994 IRON WILL is nonetheless an enjoyable, sentimental and heartfelt film. Sean's younger brother Mackenzie Astin stars as a deteremined youth who in 1917 plans on winning a 500 mile dogsled race from Winnipeg to St. Paul. He is of course faced with nasty adversaries (BRIAN COX included)and a blizzard and his lead dog who is attacked by an opponent's vicious lead dog. Kevin Spacey brings his usual fire to the role of an opportunistic journalist who initially uses Astin's exploits to gain readers, but eventually warms to the boy's heroic persistence.
Beautifully filmed in and around Duluth, IRON WILL should appeal to families looking for moralistic and uplifting adventure.
Movie Review: a heroic story
Summary: 4 Stars
Iron Will is one of those heroic stories where the human will triumphs over all kinds of long odds. Will Stoneman, the lead character in the film, is an amatuer dog sledding teenager who helps his parents on the family farm.. When his father is killed in an accident involving his trusty sled dog team, Will is deeply saddened. On the verge of losing the family farm,Will enters a sled dog race with hopes of winning the $25,000 first place prize. He trains with the help of the family's Native American handyman and learns the power of foucs and endurance. Even though Iron Will goes up against many more experienced sled dog teams in the race, he wins because of his determination and a great team of sled dogs. A good family film to enjoy.