The Derby Stallion (2005)

An alcoholic former horse-trainer perceives in a fifteen-year-old boy a unique gift of horsemanship and makes it possible for the boy to conceive his dream and pursue it.

Director:

Craig Clyde

Writer:

Kimberly Gough

Stars:

Bill Cobbs, Zac Efron, William R. Moses

Cast

Credited cast:
Bill Cobbs	...	Houston Jones
Zac Efron	...	Patrick McCardle
William R. Moses	...	Jim McCardle
Tonja Walker	...	Linda McCardle
Michael Nardelli	...	Randy Adams
Crystal Hunt	...	Jill Overton
Colton James	...	Donald
Rob Pinkston	...	Chuck Overton
Billy Preston	...	Will Gentry
Isabella Davidson	...	Tammy McCardle
Abrianna Davidson	...	Annie McCardle
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sarah Blackman	...	Julie Gillette
Preston Brant	...	Young Houston Jones
K.C. Clyde	...	Cooper Willams
Edward J. Davidson	...	County Worker

Storyline

Fifteen-year-old Patrick doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, and the pressure put on him by his dad isn't helping. But then he meets a misunderstood horse trainer who convinces him to train for the Derby Cup. Can Patrick convince his parents to let him compete, beat out out the rich town bully -- and find the champion that lies within?

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Plot Keywords:

horse trainer | dream | bully | teen | self discovery | 

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Taglines:

The Heart of a Boy. The Soul of a Champion.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 July 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alma de Campeão

Filming Locations:

Virginia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$750,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

TWD Enterprises, Scorpio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

When the kids cannot get the vehicle started, the father realises that the spark plug wires have been pulled out. However, when the vehicle starts, it is a diesel engine running, which does not have spark plugs.

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Connections

References Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)

User Reviews

I thought it was a good movie that is worth the watch, if you are interested

I had avoided The Derby Stallion ever since it came out, because I was so much more concerned with other movies (of course), and I really never took the time to even care about seeing it. One day it was about time to leave the movie rental place, so I just grabbed it thoughtlessly because I didn't see anything else that was worth the renting at the time, and ran on to check out.

I'm glad I finally got around to it, because this movie was a nice little film and I really enjoyed it. Of course there were things wrong with it, but the movie entertained me so much and the characters and plot were considerably likable. Although I'm not much of a horse movie lover, this movie sparked an immediate interest in me when it came on. Maybe it was because Zac Efron's in it, or maybe it just has that click from the start, either way, I was intrigued, haha. I thought it was around overly decent, and of course I knew when I finished it I wouldn't be saying, "Oh my god, this movie was perfect, it's the best movie I've ever seen!" but I tell you one thing I did not say, and that's "This movie was horrible, it's the worst movie ever".

The Derby Stallion is really just a fun film that is worth the watch if you have the time, and aside from minor problems, like the way they filmed it and some people not being able to act out parts very well, this was an unexpected surprise. Sure, it's not great, and even though it shouldn't be at the top of your list, if you are interested, see it, for it was enjoyable.