Language: English
Cast: Alison Lohman (Katy McLaughlin), Tim McGraw (Rob McLaughlin), Maria Bello (Nell McLaughlin)
Producer: Gil Netter
Director: Michael Mayer
Writing credits: Mark Rosenthal and Lawrence Konner, based on the novel “My Friend Flicka” by Mary O’Hara
Release Date: October 20, 2006
Production House: 20th Century Fox
Running Time: 110 minutes
Rating: PG

Review

A coming –of-age family movie, Flicka is based on the Mary O’Hara’s classic My Friend Flicka, although to suit modern times the protagonist is a 16 year old girl – Katy not the troubled Ken as in the book. Set in a scenic Wyoming ranch, Flicka is a tale of the taming of two spirited fillies.

Alison Lohman, who gave a powerful performance as the troubled teenage daughter of a convict in White Oleander recaptures gives a great performance in this movie too. She plays the spirited Katy with as much panache as she does riding Flicka into the sunset! While country music star - Tim McGraw gives a convincing performance as the clueless dad trying to understand his daughter.

As the sassy teen sets about making a riding horse of the wild mustang Flicka (which means girl in Swedish) she goes on a journey of self-realization as does her father. Katy’s keen to take over her father’s ranch once she is done with schooling but her dad has other dreams for her. How the two come to terms with their expectations - with a little help from a spirited horse, Mrs. McLaughlin, played a la Martha Stewart by the cheerful Maria Bello, and “son and heir” Howard - is what ‘Flicka’ is all about.

There are some classic father-daughter moments, wonderful scenery and beautiful horses to keep one interested. Although an average movie with an average story line and cast ‘Flicka’ is the perfect weekend family treat.