Secretariat Review

Educational value: Kids will learn about the inner workings of thoroughbred horse racing -- from how an owner, trainer, and groom work together to get a horse ready to race at two years old to how the parentage of that horse is important and how rare it is to win a Triple Crown. In addition to all of the historical information about Secretariat, children will also learn how difficult it was for Penny, a woman, to enter the "gentlemen's club" of horse racing.

Messages: The overwhelming message is that everyone should take the risk to "run their own race," no matter how unlikely it seems at first that you'll win. Penny's unwavering belief in Secretariat and her ability to know which people she should ask for help show that with enough guidance, training, practice, and focus, you can achieve your goals.

Role models: Penny is an exemplary woman and a fantastic role model. She balances her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and daughter with great delicacy and concern, always trying to do what's best for her entire family, even when it means being temporarily separated from her children. She follows her heart to save her family's farm and is a pioneering woman in the horse-breeding and racing world. She's the only woman owner highlighted in the film.

Violence and scariness: Some young viewers may be disturbed by the deaths of Penny's parents.

Sexy stuff: Not an issue

Language: Infrequent use of "hell," "crap," and "damn." A character says something in French that, according to another character, is something that would probably get him slapped by his mother, but the words aren't translated. Penny is occasionally referred to derisively as a "housewife," "little girl," "little lady," etc. by sexist-sounding men. In one instance, her "woman's intuition" is mocked by a rival horse owner.

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults at a party drink champagne.