Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Secretariat is exactly what you'd expect from a 2010 Disney sports biopic: earnest, inspirational, safe, and... a little boring if we're being honest.

It's a genuinely good story—Penny Chenery was a badass who navigated a sexist industry and bred one of the greatest racehorses ever. The movie handles this with dignity and doesn't sugarcoat the obstacles she faced. For horse-loving kids (you know who you are), this is catnip. For everyone else, it's a perfectly fine family movie that moves at the pace of, well, a leisurely trot.

The 2-hour runtime and traditional storytelling style will test modern kids' attention spans. It's not bad—it's just very 2010, which somehow already feels like a different era of filmmaking. The racing sequences are well-shot, but there's a LOT of boardroom drama and period-piece dialogue in between.

Bottom line: If you've got a horse-obsessed 9-year-old or you're looking for something genuinely wholesome for family movie night, this delivers. If your kid needs constant stimulation or has zero interest in horses, maybe save this for a rainy day when you've exhausted everything else on Disney+.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14, especially kids already into horses, sports biopics, or historical stories. Younger than 8 might find it slow; older teens will likely find it too wholesome and predictable unless they're genuinely into horse racing history.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Classic underdog sports story centered on perseverance, family, and breaking barriers. Models determination and cooperation in a male-dominated industry. Emotionally uplifting without being saccharine. Penny Chenery balances motherhood with business ambition in a positive way. Some tension around gender dynamics of the 1970s era, but handled with dignity.

Imaginative

58

Straightforward biographical sports drama with solid cinematography of horse racing. Limited creative expression opportunities—it's a paint-by-numbers inspirational story. The historical setting offers some period detail, but the narrative follows a predictable arc. Doesn't invite much curiosity or exploration beyond the true story itself.

Safe

88

Very family-friendly Disney production. Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+. No violence, gore, sexuality, or inappropriate language. Some mild period-appropriate sexism and tension around business dealings, but nothing shocking. The main 'danger' is horse racing itself, which is presented as thrilling but not graphic. No unexpected content that would catch parents off-guard.

Enriching

72

Strong themes of perseverance, women breaking into male-dominated fields, and pursuing excellence against odds. Teaches about 1970s history, horse racing, and business determination. Diane Lane's performance models quiet strength. However, it's somewhat one-note in its messaging—inspirational but not particularly deep. Good for discussions about gender roles, ambition, and following through on commitments.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuine underdog story about a woman breaking into the boys' club of 1970s horse racing—models determination without being preachy
Perfect for horse-obsessed kids who will appreciate the racing sequences and behind-the-scenes stable life
Diane Lane delivers a grounded performance that shows you can be both a devoted mom and pursue ambitious goals
Clean, safe Disney production with zero content surprises—you can leave the room without worry
True story with historical value: teaches about Triple Crown racing and a significant sports moment

⚠

What to Watch For

Pacing is slow by 2025 standards—this is a 2-hour period drama, not a quick-cut Marvel movie, so younger kids may zone out
Some mild period sexism and dismissive attitudes toward women in business (historically accurate but worth discussing)
It's inspirational but predictable—if your kid needs constant plot twists, this ain't it
Horse racing itself involves some inherent risk/danger shown on screen, though nothing graphic

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it was so hard for Penny to be taken seriously in horse racing? Do you see similar stuff happening today?"
"What would you do if everyone told you that you couldn't do something you really wanted to try?"
"The movie shows Penny balancing being a mom and running a business—what do you think was hardest about that?"
"Have you ever stuck with something even when it seemed impossible? How did that feel?"

Stills