My husband and I went looking for a fun movie last weekend and ran across 50-1. Being a horse lover and a delighted witness to Mine that Bird's Kentucky Derby performance, we drove the hour and a half to see it in nearby Santa Fe. What a fun movie! We thoroughly enjoyed it, as apparently did everyone else in the theater. We were all laughing, crying and several times nearly the entire audience stood to clap for joy. Awesome movie depicting the underdog story of down-to-earth folk from Southern New Mexico - including a down-on-his-luck, broke (in more than one sense) cowboy horse trainer, a good hearted, wealthy NM owner, and a team of friends-- risked everything on a little horse with a big heart. Knowing this was based on the true story of how Mine that Bird and his unlikely winning NM team shocked horse racing royalty and the world, helped firmly planted it in my heart as one of my favorite movies of the last many years. It may not win Oscars, but the story, the beautiful NM landscape, the good acting of its cast including the real life jockey, Calvin Borel (who did a great job acting and has the most amazing smile I've ever seen), HORSES, and - most of all - the true life story of shocking success in spite of 50-1 odds, puts this movie on the top of my list. A must see!

As the granddaughter of the real-life Doc Blach I was THRILLED with the movie! The characters were genuine, heartfelt, and really told our family's story in a way that honored that whole experience. When it came time for the actual Kentucky Derby the whole theater was cheering, clapping, and hollering as if the real race was being ran again. It was truly remarkable and I can't wait to see it again! This movie did a great job of showing what the little man can do, and that in this beautiful country we call home - anything can happen. Mine That Bird is a horse that can give all of us encouragement to keep working hard, and to never, ever give up!

It's very rare that I come away from a movie with any sort of emotional impact; especially one that is uplifting. Typically, there has to be some sort of cruelty or injustice for me to genuinely become attached to a film beyond any sort of typical entertainment value. However, "50 to 1" is one of those instances in which I was completely taken in by the characters' quest. It's a genuinely fun movie packed with so much heart that the entire audience gets in on the action. How often have you gone to a movie and actually heard the crowd cheer multiple times? I had attended the world premiere in Albuquerque in which that sort of thing is expected. So, I decided to attended a general public screening to see what the difference would be. I was surprised to witness even larger reactions from the public screening than the private one. Although the film may have some shortcomings due to budgetary issues, there is no denying that the overall film is much more powerful than most films you'll see this year. As for entertainment value, I'd put this $10 million film over most mundane $200 million films any day. When you see grown men walk away with tears in their eyes, you know they've seen something special. This movie is a definite must-see in theaters simply for the race footage alone. The action is so quick and detailed, that you'll definitely benefit from seeing this film on the big screen! In fact, I caught several things that made the film even more enjoyable on the second viewing than on the first. Saddle up and enjoy the show!

The odds were 50 to 1 on Mine That Bird at the 2009 Kentucky Derby. In fact, for much of the race, Mine That Bird was dead last. During the final turn at Churchill Downs, though, jockey Calvin Borel hugged the rail and stunned the crowd and the race announcer. Mine That Bird burst to the front and won.

This Hollywood story in the making, though, is much more than just about a horse with long odds winning the Kentucky Derby. "50 to 1" is the story of an eclectic group of cowboys, trainers, and ranch owners who marshaled their talents and surprised themselves and race fans.

Set in the enchanting lands of New Mexico, and along the roads to Kentucky, the beauty of this country appears almost as another character in this great horse story.

Producer/Director Jim Wilson ("Dances With Wolves") and collaborator Faith Conroy ("Thor") immediately visualized the story on film, and thus their journey began to secure rights to tell it. Wilson contacted the horse's owners, Mark Allen and Leonard 'Doc' Blach. Then he co-wrote a spec script with Conroy, presented it to Allen and Blach, got their approval, and secured funding from many in the horse racing industry.

Chip (Skeet Ulrich) and Mark (Christian Kane) are rodeo riders whose paths first cross when Chip rescues Mark in a bar brawl. That's that until 10 years later. The horse-training business Chip runs with his brother Bill (David Atkinson) is about to fail. Chip overhears Mark's name on the news in a story about a high-priced auction, and decides to track him down.

Chip shows up at Mark's ranch. After a crazy party with Mark and his cousin Kelly (Todd Lowe), Chip is sent by Mark to check out a horse in Canada called Mine That Bird. He persuades Mark and Mark's business partner - 'Doc' Blach (William Devane) - to buy him.

The horse, though, is a loser and meanwhile, Chip breaks his leg. Rider Alex (Madelyn Deutch) is brought in to help with the training. She and Chip clash. She's a tattooed pierced exercise rider; he's a good ol' cowboy. When Mine That Bird is selected for the Kentucky Derby (based on winnings in Canada), this motley crew is shocked.

The film about friendship and hope also highlights the beauty of the hot dusty deserts, with a backdrop of blue-gray mountain ranges or bronze-colored mesas. Locations were discovered, on occasion, inadvertently. Chip's ranch was found when Jim Wilson stopped by a feed store. The woman working there told him of a ranch outside of Las Cruces. It fit the bill.

Jim Wilson and Faith Conroy came across the bar used for the fight scene as they were leaving a location that wasn't going to work for that scene. Here are Faith's words: "So we're driving along, chatting away, and I see this sign pointing down a road, advertising a place to get beer. I said, 'Jim, we should check that out.' We almost missed it on the way back from the other bar, but 10 minutes down that road we find this place that had been there since 1948." Jim continues the story, describing how they stopped a passerby and asked her if she knew about the bar. She told them to check with the folks next door. "So we go inside and we meet Pat, the owner's sister, who'd been working there since she was 13," Wilson says. "No one had ever shot a film there before, so I said, 'Will you let me do a big brawl in here?' They said, 'Have at it, flip the tables over.'" They also got permission to shoot at Churchill Downs, and shot there in over 20 locations, including the actual jockeys' room, the barn, and the stall where Mine That Bird was housed. In fact, the jockey of the winning horse, Calvin Borel, plays himself in the film. It is his world.

Borel even brought his own tack for use with the horse. He helped with the design of the set of the jockeys' room. And of course, on the horse, he naturally fell right into riding as he did in the 2009 Derby (though footage from the actually Derby was also incorporated into the film.) Art imitates life which imitates art in this film. For instance, Chip Woolley and Mark Allen were on the set quite a bit, ensuring authenticity. Mark even loaned Harleys so that Kane and Lowe could ride from New Mexico to Churchill Downs as the cousins Mark and Kelly actually did. And, Chip loaned Ulrich the shirt he wore on Derby Day.

Woolley, leg in a cast, follows the Harleys in a truck as he hauls Mine That Bird 1700 miles to Churchill Downs. Alex (an amalgam of several people) accompanies him, and they clash as people do whose outlooks are so different. As they travel along the open roads, a begrudging kind of respect develops.

The open-hearted character of New Mexicans comes through in the genuine friendships that build in the story. When in Churchill Downs, Chip, Mark, Alex, Doc, and his family ignore the snubs of the blue bloods of the horse-racing world. They simply have a good time. The friendship between Mark and Chip is honest. This film is filled with humor and hope. You may cheer or cry at the unexpected and spectacular victory.

I Just loved this movie its one of the best movies Jim Wilson Really took his time and prided himself o finding the best cast and crew and neither him or the cast disappointed I was at the las cruces premier at the cineport 10 theater and got to listen and ask questions first hand I just want to ask u guys not to miss out on this beautiful story about a horse who with 50to1 odds came out and won our hearts by doing something no jockey or horse has ever done take Ur family Ur kids Ur best friends co-workers u really don't want to miss out I gave this a 10 because it just such a touching and heartwarming story that will leave u on the edge of Ur seat and have u screaming with excitement through out the whole movie will guarantee u and promise u that it does not disappoint one but so get up and go get Ur tickets and get ready for the best movie to hit the big screen this year!!!! <3 =)

I absolutely LOVED everything about "50 to 1." I drove from Illinois to Kentucky to see the cross-country tour they were doing to promote the movie. The added bonus was that I got to see the movie on the big screen while I was there. My only regret is that I could only watch it once before I had to leave Kentucky. Christian Kane is such an amazing actor. He is so versatile and was absolutely perfect for the part of Mark Allen. Skeet Ulrich is also one of my favorites, and his portrayal of Chip Woolley is fantastic. Todd Lowe added a lot of humor to the movie. Seriously, I want to thank Jim Wilson and Faith Conroy for fighting so hard to get this story told and out to the fans. They choose the perfect cast. In addition to the actors I mentioned above, William Devane, Madelyn Deutch,and Hugo Perez all did a fabulous job. It is nice to see a feel-good movie based on a true story and something the whole family can enjoy. I wish I could give "50 to 1" 100 stars!!

Well all I can say is. I've seen it twice. World premiere night at the KiMo theater. My home city of Albuquerque shut down Central Ave. between 5 th and 6 th street so we could visit with the cast and crew of 50-1. Not only them but we had the pleasure of having the Champion of the KentuckyDerby himself was there. I even got to feed Mine That Bird some peppermint candies. And no one was quite when Calvin made his move coming up the rail. Everyone was clapping. Cheering. Hollering. Chanting go Birdie. It was like you were there at the Derby cheering them on. Will never forget that night. Second time at the movies. And then repeat of me clapping then everyone joined in. It was kind of cool. IT WAS WAY COOL!

I saw "50 to 1" tonight with my Mom. Such an amazing movie! It was so inspiring and uplifting. This is an incredible story, great movie, with great cinematography, and great acting. It's very family friendly. One you can take the whole family to. It's a heart-warming movie and easy to see how much heart went into the filming. I absolutely loved the fact that the actual jockey that rode Mine That Bird in 2009 played himself in the film.

The coolest thing, though, was during the Derby the entire audience started cheering and clapping Bird on like we were actually there. I've never seen or heard of that before. It's a great story of the underdog. I would recommend this movie to absolutely everyone, horse lover or not! Go see it. Take everyone you know. You won't be disappointed.

I love this movie. It's like "Secretariat" with cowboys! Perhaps my opinion is biased since I live in Roswell where Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird resides in luxury. The actors/director/crew really caught the feel of rural New Mexico. The script is an intelligent homage to the underdog. Skeet Ulrich is uncanny as the trainer--every movement and stance was perfectly natural as a cowboy. William Devane is the closest to owner Doc Blach anyone could be! And Christian Kane's quirky humor and physicality help embody the oil-rich, bad boy owner, who champions two underdogs--a down-and-out trainer and an unknown horse. But it's the supporting cast that fleshes out the film and makes it a winner. I rate this film excellent in that it's fun to watch; it makes the audience cheer; and it never condescends to the average people behind the scenes of any champion. Kids will love this movie, but parents will appreciate its messages. Ten feel-good hugs.

Just saw the movie tonight and it was worth the wait. I love horses and horse racing, they have definitely gotten into my blood since I was a boy. Their beauty, their speed and their heart and courage. Mine That Bird was like a blue collar worker in the midst of horses that were high profile aristocrats. Didn't have the beauty but he had everything else. And that's what counted in the end.

I've read a number of mean-spirited put-downs of the horse and of the film by viewers (or just detractors) who think he wasn't worth making a movie about. They don't seem to understand why people would celebrate a horse who ran his heart out every time and accomplished amazing things even though his win/loss record doesn't seem to indicate greatness. True, he didn't win another race after the Derby, but they fail to recognize that he ran 2nd in the Preakness and 3rd in the Belmont, finishing in the money in all three Triple Crown races. It takes an extraordinary athlete to achieve that over 5 grueling weeks of racing. How many horse owners and trainers can make that claim? Every racehorse peaks at some point and then begins to lose its speed and stamina over time. MTB is no different from any other racehorse in that regard. He just peaked higher than many other horses ever will, so the decline naturally seemed greater.

The movie makers did a great job of giving us the back story of MTB and his owners and trainer. It was hard to know how much of the account was doctored up or exaggerated to sell it better, but they got the essentials right and made us care about the main characters and the horse. My only criticism would be of the way they portrayed Bob Baffert as pompous and arrogant. My impression of him based on interviews and on comments he's made is that he's as competitive as they come, but more generous of spirit than many of the others as well, certainly not the dismissive person the movie made him out to be.

I was actually not a MTB fan at the time of the Triple Crown races. Rachel Alexandra was/is my favorite and I definitely cheered for her and celebrated her win over MTB in the Preakness. But over time I did learn to appreciate what he did over the course of his career and I now have a soft spot in my heart for him as well. To the film makers I say 'thanks' for making a movie that left me in tears at the end. To those who think the movie was a waste of time and money, greatness doesn't mean you always finish first. It's also measured by what's in your heart.

I just saw the movie 50 to 1 and boy was it good. It's finally nice to see a family friendly movie. It is a make you feel good movie that will make you laugh cry and cheer. Hollywood should take note. People want to see more of this kind of movie. I will definitely go see this movie again. Christain Kane and Skeet Ulrich are great in their characters but Calvin Borell was really the star of the show. Even though he is not an actor he played the part wonderfully. I would highly recommend this movie. The race will leave you cheering for the underdog. Go see the movie 50 to 1 you will really enjoy it. Unfortunately there were not a lot of people in the theater seeing this movie. I hope word gets around about this movie because it is a great film to see. Jim Wilson who directed this movie has taken cast and crew on a cross country tour on a bus to promote this movie. They are meeting the fans and taking pictures and autographs. This has never been done before and could set something new in movies. Please go see this movie ans support a great movie and the cast and crew who worked so hard to get this story told.

It's hard to not like a "true-story-ish" movie about an underdog going up against despicable snobs... so on that level, the movie is worth a watch, especially if you're running out of movies to watch.

Feel-good underdog movie with hokey screenplay and acting.

I certainly have seen far worse, but there were a few times during the movie that I was tempted to shut it off because it was over-the- top cornball. It's filled with scenes and side-stories that add no value whatsoever to the movie and feel like the filmmakers wanted to check-off every popular cliché in movie making.

Fight scene... check. Love & hate romantic tension scene... check. Funny animal action scene... check. Life and death drama scene... check. Down-and-out nobody believes in me scene... check

The movie jumps back and forth trying to be funny at times, and serious at others without having a connection between the emotions - - at least in believable way. I kinda of felt at times like I was watching a Smokey and the Bandit movie... then all of the sudden, it tries to go serious.

With all that said... I watched the entire movie, had a few chuckles and wiped a tear from my eye at the end.

I absolutely adored this movie. It's cute and fun, with a rogue-ish kind of charm. Saw it with my man, who also enjoyed it, then recommended it to his grandparents - and his grandmother came back ecstatic and loving it, while his grandfather complained of bruises on his arm from her excitement, hahaha! - and then I dragged my sister out to see it and she loves it just as much as the rest of us. I will buy this when it comes out on DVD, as will my sister, and I'm sure my grandparents-in-law will, too. I was thrilled to be able to see it in theaters and only wish it had come to a drive-in somewhere a little closer to me so I could see it on the BIG big screen. Kaniac that I am, I highly enjoyed Christian Kane's performance, though Skeet Ulrich was fun to watch as well, and the rest of the cast did a wonderful job, too. All in all, I think 50 to 1 is a great movie and one I have been recommending left and right.

Great drama with a slight twist of humor. For those people who aren't especially enamored with horse movies where the horse is the main-character hero, this movie goes in depth about the relationships of the people involved, and brings out their personalities where we can all identify with, or have known people like the characters, at some point in our lives. This is the type of movie where you can take your children and everyone will enjoy the story, no matter what their age. There was enough in the story line for horse lovers, yet you do not have to be knowledgeable about horses or the race tracks to understand what was developing or why. The suspense built up to the climax of the movie and based upon the story plot, I wasn't sure how the movie would end.

I followed the tour, meeting the cast and crew twice before seeing the movie. Watching it, I laughed, cried and cheered along with everyone in the theater. It is such a "feel good" movie the whole family could enjoy. Jim Wilson did an amazing job matching the actors to the characters they played. Christian Kane and Skeet Ulrich were amazing in their roles. Christian Kane's comedic timing was superb as well as his dramatic, emotional performance. Two songs played during the movie were from Kane's own album, "Welcome To My House". If you haven't seen this movie, please treat yourself to an awesome show. You will be happy you did.

This movie is just excellent! Gave it a 10!! wish i could have given it a MILLION. Beautiful movie all the way around. The writing, the storyline, the cast, the scenery, the music, everything that went into making it a 10 STAR movie. Everything about it! Does not contain all the blood and gore, or superhero's in capes or superpower's or zombie's that seem to be the "thing" at the movies nowadays. Just true real life hero's of the human and animal kind! A movie for the whole family to enjoy. It will have them standing on their feet and cheering!I surely was! Very inspiring and uplifting. I have seen it twice at the movie theater when it was shown and I would have seen it many more times if funds and time allowed. This was a low budget and an independent film. You certainly can not tell it though. I have met Jim Wilson and Faith Conroy the co-writer's and co-producer's and are both amazingly friendly people who have put all of their hearts and souls into this movie. So if you haven't seen this movie yet you really should! EDITED: (1-18-2017)#50to1 can be found ON DVD and streaming at AMAZON... NEVER too late to watch and review! Love this movie! It is a timeless classic! Thank you!

I waited for a long time to see this movie and I must say I was not disappointed. Being a city girl I am not really into horses, but this story was just so fantastic, you could not help but to feel for everyone in this film. You know how the story ends, but the film still leaves you wondering if they really are going to pull it off. I was sucked in from the first scene and on the edge of my seat biting my nails cause I was sure they would not succeed. There were not that many people in the theater which was a shame, but those were there laughed, cheered, applauded and some (including myself) were misty eyed. Christian Kane and Skeet Ulrich gave amazing performances and really had you rooting for these unsung heroes. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants a feel good movie that will leave you smiling through tears of joy.

I saw this movie today and was highly impressed. What a wonderful movie that anyone can go see. I laughed, I sang, and I cried. Who doesn't like an underdog or a long-shot. This movie tells the story of the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mind that Bird and the journey of the owners and trainer to winning the fastest two-minutes in sports. It starts Skeet Ulrich, Christian Kane, Maddie Duetch, William Devane, and real Mind That Bird jockey Calvin Borel. Famed horse trainer, Bob Baffert also made several cameo appearances. I think of everyone in the movie, Calvin Borel stole the show. Playing himself, he was a wonderful actor. He's always been my favorite jockey and I loved that he was able to be in the movie. Most of the filming was done in New Mexico, but the cast and crew invaded Churchill Downs for two weeks of filming. During their cross-country tour, the cast kept calling this a feel-good movie. It wasn't till I watched it that I realized what that meant. You leave the theater with such a great feeling of the little guy getting it over on the buy guy. No one at the Derby gave them a chance and especially no respect. At least that the way the movie depicted it. I wonder if Baffert really did say those horrible things about Bird and his crew. If so, I've lost all respect for that man. The acting was superb! Each and every one of that actors gave their all and you can tell. Christian Kane, as owner Mark Allen, was spot on. Not to mention Kane had two of his songs that played in the background during a scene in a bar. Kane has always been a favorite actor of mine, and his acting here was not disappointing. The only distracting part of the movie was in a scene with Ulrich and Duetch where Ulrich's earlobe had two piercing holes in it. I couldn't keep my eye off his ear, but none of the movie was bad at all. I'm hoping to go see the movie again and can't wait for the DVD to come out. I tip my black cowboy hat to all the actors, writers, director, and producers for taking a wonderful story and bring life to it again.

I love this movie - saw it twice on opening weekend!!!! I love the fact that this movie is based on a true story and that the writers didn't make the script too over-the-top or "Hollywood". The cast is simply great, all of them!!! I'm a huge Christian Kane fan and once again he delivers perfection! Skeet Ulrich has heart and shows it here. Madelyn Duetch adds the spice, and Todd Lowe adds the party! There's a little of everything - humor, heart, great storyline, and characters you will fall in love with! Go see this movie - it's a fun, feel-good entertaining ride that will make you believe that anything really can happen and you will leave with a smile on your face and joy in your heart!!!

We drove an hour into Illinois with my brother, and it was well worth the trip. I love horses, I was very familiar with the story of Mine That Bird. The movie is set in New Mexico and Kentucky with great scenery. MTB's connections have a down to earth background and everyday existence. They're not the blue bloods of horse racing. They drive, not fly to Louisville, and the ladies' hats are purchased at a Walmart and decorated in a hotel room. The horse is ignored and starts the race 30 lengths back. But he wins.

I was totally impressed with the warmth and humor in the movie. My brother, who wasn't familiar with the story found it infinitely entertaining (I admit was a little surprised he liked as much as he did.) I hope to see it more than once, and would love to gave it on DVD! Skeet Ulrich totally captures trainer Chip Woolsey and jockey Calvin Borel is a hoot as himself.

We enjoyed the original story as it played out on the race track, and this movie does not disappoint. It was truly a feel good root for the underdog type of film that anyone can enjoy. Bravo, and thank you for a wonderful evening's entertainment.

Since the Kentucky Derby is this weekend, I decided to watch this movie again. I really don't need a reason to watch any thing Christian Kane is in and he is great in this movie! So are all the other actors in the film. I remember this race well and it's a great story of the little horse that could and did. Added bonus was getting to hear a little bit of Christian Kane's songs. Great Family Movie for all to enjoy. If you haven't seen it, I would say to definitely check it out.

This is a feel good movie about the under dog beating the odds. This film uses the exact locations not just sets so you get a real sense of what it was like and even the real jockey who rode Mine That Bird. Most of the actual characters get cameo's somewhere in the film and the actors who were chosen to portray them do a great job. I am a big fan of Christian Kane and love him in this movie as it's close to his Texas cowboy persona. The rest of the actors Skeet Ulrich, William Devane and all the others do a great job too. It's not a huge cast so all the characters develop through the film and it was only shot on a comparatively low budget of about $8.5 million so given that the scope of the movie is amazing. Good fun and entertainment for all.

Being a Kaniac I may be prejudiced but I don't think so. Had I never heard of Christian Kane before I saw this movie I would have loved it enough to buy the DVD. As it turned out, I was fortunate enough to meet him on the 50-1 tour! 50 to 1 actually tops Seabiscuit and Rocky for an underdog's story. I can't praise this movie enough - it's got heart, humor, hope and heroes! It will have you leaping to your feet in your living room, cheering.

In my opinion this is a perfect movie for the whole family! A perfect get- away movie to cozy down on the couch.. Exiting movie with excellent cast and crew that really moves you. Takes you to a new world, makes you feel good above all... I have seen a lot of horsemovies but for me this one tops it all. I was really moved by this story that is a true story! Loved the music in it too!! I was sitting on a edge most of the time! I really loved this movie and are now in my top 5 of favorite movies of all time (so far that is). I am recommending this awesome movie to everyone. It is a must see movie!! If you haven't watched it yet you really, really need to!! So cozy down, relax and enjoy the ride!