Flicka (2006)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

Michael Mayer

Writers (WGA):

Mark Rosenthal (screenplay) &
Lawrence Konner (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

20 October 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | Family

Tagline:

The biggest dreams take the most courage.

Plot:

Young Katy claims a wild horse as her own -- an effort to prove to her father that she is capable of one day taking over the family ranch.

Plot Keywords:

Ranch | Horse | Horse Ranch | Summer | Father Daughter Relationship

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Tim McGraw	...	Rob McLaughlin
Maria Bello	...	Nell McLaughlin
Alison Lohman	...	Katy McLaughlin
Ryan Kwanten	...	Howard McLaughlin
Danny Pino	...	Jack
Dallas Roberts	...	Gus
Kaylee DeFer	...	Miranda Koop
Jeffrey Nordling	...	Rick Koop
Dey Young	...	Esther Koop
Nick Searcy	...	Norbert Rye
Buck Taylor	...	Wagner
Wade Williams	...	Man with Clipboard
David Burton	...	Rider #6
John O'Brien	...	Mr. Masterson
Armie Hammer	...	Male Prefect

Also Known As:

My Friend Flicka (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for some mild language.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Malaysia:U | USA:PG (certificate #42251) | Germany:o.Al. | Singapore:PG | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | South Korea:All | Netherlands:6

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Fox 2000 Pictures

Trivia:

When Katy disguises herself as a boy for the wild horse race, you can hear her name being announced in the background as "Ken", just like the original male character from the "My Friend Flicka" book.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Flicka is attacked, it's pouring rain. Then, when the camera zooms in on Flicka's head, everything is dry.

Quotes:

Rob McLaughlin: There's no good reason why this animal should be alive.

Movie Connections:

References Sexy Beast (2000)

Soundtrack:

Go Johnny

Wyoming in all its splendor

Mary O'Hara's novel "My Friend Flicka" is the basis for this wonderful family oriented movie. Directed by Michael Mayer, a man whose work we had admired before, offers a positive view of a Wyoming family that is struggling to make a living out the ranch where they raise horses and the changes that are happening around them.

At the center of the story is Katy McLaughlin, a young woman who is happier being in the family ranch than at the boarding school, where she seems to be out of place. When Katy goes back home after not completing a key exam, she begins to feel like a human being. All the great outdoors are at her finger tips. The horses she loves are also part of her life.

A fearless rider, Katy is surprised one day by a mountain lion who comes near her. A mustang that appears out of nowhere comes to her rescue, attracting Katy's attention. A bond will develop between the young woman and the horse that will prove it to be a mutual love and respect they feel about one another. She names the horse Flicka and becomes her champion when her father feels a mustang doesn't belong in the ranch because what it will do to the other pure bred horses. In the end, the father, as well as the family realize how deep Katy cares for Flicka and the way the horse responds to her.

Alison Lohman, who is seen as Flicka, is an actress that seems a natural no matter what role she is asked to play. Tim McGraw does justice to the father, and lovely Maria Bello is perfect as the mother.

The beautiful cinematography by J. Michael Muro does wonders to create the right atmosphere in which the action is presented. The same can be said for the musical score of Aaron Zigman, which is tuneful and fits well in the picture. There is no doubt Michael Mayer will continue to surprise us in his future projects.

Highly recommended for all families.