When you think of the world of horse racing in general, it seems like an antiquated practice. Sure, there are some major races that still happen to this day and the Derby is still a mainstay of Spring. But over the years the sport doesn’t seem to have the appeal that it used to in the past, or at least as wide of an audience as it used to.
Part of the objection of course is the treatment of the animals, and while most of the horses racing are well treated, there are always cases that make the news that show the opposite. But one side of the racing world that most people don’t see is that of the jockeys and the crew that make the races happen. And that’s most likely why the movie Jockey was made, to give a voice to the riders and look beyond just the horses that often get more accolades than their riders.
Unfortunately, as fast-paced as races are and as quick as they are over – Jockey seems to drag the whole run time. The movie follows a rider named Jackson who is at the end of his career. Not only is his body failing him from repeated injuries but he finds out he has ALS and his career is coming to an end despite what he wants. Add in a young rider who claims to be his son, he should be the perfect combination for drama. Unfortunately, it seems like the issues and the story are just dragged out to make a long run time and it’s hard to connect or engage with pretty much any of the characters.
The movie, which has a lot of promise with drama elements and even the possibility of action instead seems to just meander to a slow end of Jackson’s career and the movie. It’s a movie that struggled to keep our attention and one that will, in just audience alone have a limited audience. Jockey is in select theaters this weekend. If you’re interested in the fast pace world of Jockey’s and horse racing this movie may be the one for you, but the story lacks a compelling story that will draw in a bigger audience overall.
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About Jockey
(Opens in NY/LA on 12/29, Opens in Detroit 2/4) An aging jockey ( Clifton Collins Jr.), hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer ( Molly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider ( Moises Arias), who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
Directed by Clint Bentley