“Dreamer” is a family friendly film that tells the story of how a father (Kurt Russell) and daughter (Dakota Fanning) together help nurse back a horse from an injury. Ben Crane (Russell) a vet trainer takes in the injured horse as a severance pay after quitting his job. His daughter Cale (Fanning), develops a special relationship with the horse named Sonador which translates into Dreamer. The horse heals itself beyond anybody's expectations and races again in the prestigious Breeders Cup.

Russell and Fanning have a strong chemistry on screen. Their father/daughter relationship is believable and not over done. Unfortunately, the other cast members are poorly written and don't add much significance to the story.

Dakota is one of the few young Hollywood actresses who can hold her own on screen against big names such as, Robert DeNiro, Denzel Washington, Sean Penn, Tom Cruise and now Kurt Russell. Her performance and presence shines through out the film. Her supporting cast agrees. Elizabeth Shue who plays her mother exclaims, "I have so much respect for her!" Freddy Rodriguez who plays a washed up jockey states, "Dakota is an adult in a kid's body."

With a never ending smile on her face Dakota told Teen Scene, "We learned to ride the horses. It was so much fun! They did all these tricks!" Dakota even received a very generous present from her co-star Kurt Russell; a horse that she named Goldie. Dakota can next be seen as Fern in "Charlotte's Web."

Russell says, "Adult family films are a bit rare. This one doesn't speak down to anybody." The film may have a predictable ending, but you will still root for the underdog. "Dreamer: Inspired by a true story." It just might make you a dreamer until the finish line.

- Kelly Kurowski, Associate Editor