Gender changes in 'Flicka,' but storyline remains

Scripps Howard News Service

By Betsy Pickle

Tim McGraw from the set of his new movie, Flicka
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

October 18, 2006--The month of May might have dibs on the Kentucky Derby, but October is turning out to be the month for horse movies.

"Flicka" arrives on theater screens almost exactly one year after "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story."

Like "Dreamer," "Flicka's" central characters are a girl, the horse she loves and the hard-nosed father whose respect and attention she's trying to win, and also like "Dreamer," the girl started out as a boy. But that's where the similarities end.

"Dreamer" was set against the world of thoroughbred racing in Kentucky. "Flicka" takes place in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming and tackles the mustang debate.

Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) doesn't see the point of her parents spending the money to send her to boarding school in Laramie. She'd much rather be home helping with chores at Goose Creek Ranch, where her family raises quarter horses.

Katy's lack of interest in school angers her father, Rob (Tim McGraw), and worries her mother, Nell (Maria Bello). Only her older brother, Howard (Ryan Kwanten), realizes the depth of her desire to work on the ranch. It's as strong as his desire to leave and go East to college.

Home for summer vacation, Katy has an early-morning encounter with a brave wild mustang. She's not experienced enough to catch the filly, but Rob is. While Katy wants to tame the horse she calls Flicka and ride her, Rob wants to get rid of the mustang as quickly as possible so she doesn't have a bad influence on his other horses.

Rob sees Flicka as a problem, which is how he views Katy as well. Torn between his love for the ranch and his need to provide for his family, he has trouble comprehending that Katy and Flicka could be solutions, not problems.

Inspired by the classic Mary O'Hara novel "My Friend Flicka," "Flicka" changes the gender of the main character but keeps the concept of a youngster learning focus and discipline through love for a horse.

Mark Rosenthal and Lawrence Konner's script has a clear but romantic take on the taming of the West. Economics are against ranchers; the money is in developing land for city slickers or re-creating the old ways in rodeos.

Director Michael Mayer gets rich, honest performances from his cast. Lohman convincingly portrays Katy's deep ties to the land and her love for Flicka. McGraw, following up his impressive debut in "Friday Night Lights," makes Rob tough but human. Bello is a modern mom who takes it all in and sees what's best for her family.

"Flicka" taps in to an idyllic vision of the West without getting mushy. There are no villains, and the heroes are of the everyday variety--except for the four-legged star who represents grace, courage and freedom beyond the ordinary.

Rated PG for some mild language.

Four stars (out of five).

(Contact Betsy Pickle of The Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee at www.knoxnews.com.)