Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

John Gatins has a track record for writing sports-themed films that have a sappy After School Special tone, such as Hardball and Summer Catch. Now he is adding “director” to his resume, but unfortunately, he’s not adding a new movie premise. Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) dreams about getting rich like the owners and jockeys of the horses he trains. Although he doesn’t readily admit it, Ben even dreams about reconnecting with his estranged and stubborn father (Kris Kristofferson). Cale Crane (Dakota Fanning) certainly dreams of strengthening her relationship with her workaholic father. Sonador, or “Dreamer,” dreams of healing her broken leg and achieving her true racetrack potential in the Breeders Cup Classic. This heartfelt, yet predictable and clichéd, family film is filled with dreamers. But it is the horse with the idealistic name that comes into the Cranes’ life to make everyone’s dreams come true.