Emma's Chance

This is a great movie for kids to watch, I think. The acting may not be top notch, but the message is spot on. Kids need to learn that their lives can either be thrown away trying to buy popularity at all costs or that they can make a difference in their world and, in the end, change their own lives. The spotlight shown on Red Bucket Ranch is a bonus. While the story is fictional, the Ranch is not. It is real, and the rescue work they do is amazing. Rehabbing and rehoming abused and abandoned horses is a full-time, expensive endeavor, but Red Bucket does this with an all volunteer staff. (My only wish is that any proceeds from the sale of this movie would go to this Ranch and not into some producer's pocket!) Google Red Bucket Ranch to read the story of the ranch and to donate to their cause.

I loved this movie. This is the story of a troubled teen meeting a troubled horse and both finding redemption. The ending was a tearful delight and deeply moving. I have recommended this film to many friends and strangers looking for a good story or who enjoy stories about horses. Almost every time I talk about this movie I start to cry because well told stories about troubled people who find their way resonate with my own past troubles.I should also let you know that when I first watched the DVD, it was only because family members helped write and produce it, and I simply had a personal interest in seeing an example of their work. But I had no idea that I was going to have such a positive and heartwarming reaction. So you could say this is a family film for me in more than one way.

"Emma's Chance" is a wonderful, family-friendly horse movie with a great message for us all. Starring Greer Grammer (yes, Kelsey Grammar's daughter), Joey Lawrence, and Missy Pyle, "Emma's Chance" tells the story of a young girl who must work at a horse rescue ranch as a punishment for getting into trouble with her mean girl friends. She falls in love with the ranch and the horse Chance and helps save the ranch with her newly-found riding skill. She overcomes the peer pressure of her mean girl friends and shows young girls that it's OK to not to fall in love with the basketball star even when he likes you. Directed by Anna Elizabeth James in her directorial debut, "Emma's Chance" is a great evening of entertainment for the entire family.

My review may be a little biased because my family is involved with the horse rescue, Red Bucket, that is featured in the film, but I have to say that we love this movie! It sheds a much needed light on the plight of our American horses and what fate awaits them if places like Red Bucket didn't exist. The story is very sweet and it sends a positive message about true friendships and the importance of giving back. It is a perfect family film. As parents of young daughters, it is hard to find a movie that is appropriate without violence or sexual undertones. This movie doesn't have any of that. It is a simple story of a teenage girl finding herself through giving to others. Watch it!

music fit the moods. effective understated dialogue.

Excellent! The plot is heartwarming and progresses well with the Ranch theme, the high school "friends" theme, and the young person maturing as a young adult theme. It has a particularly refreshing ending with regard to the progression and conclusion of the high school "dynamics". Hard to think anyone could find fault with this movie or fail to enjoy it.

It was a very well produced teen drama about redemption - for both horses and people. At the risk of being nostalgic, it reminded me of Flicka, Black Beauty and The Black Stallion. As we are well into the next century, though, I fear that stories about redemption are passé. I recommend this for all adults with some maturity, all pre-teens who are looking for good examples. I am happy that I have the DVD so that I can pass this along to my grandchildren.

Lifetime horse lover and rescue is so important. I didn't realize this was a true story until I saw the final credits. Loved the story. The portrayal of friendship, family and loyalty was heartwarming. Also, how a teen prank can go so wrong. It was an all around feel good movie. We need more stories of hope.

Very good movie for horse lovers; based on a true equine rescue organization.

very good movie i enjoyed it very much.

it was a Christmas present but she loves horses she said she enjoyed it

Really good movie for anyone who likes horses, great for the whole family. Nothing phony about the story either

ok