From Hayes' and Milicevics's story/script, director Charles Waid has given us a film that will be enjoyed for decades....one that should warm many hearts. Those who put this type of movie down most probably are the very ones who need to get its message the most: nice people in a good story, with a thrilling ending.....Disney, or not.

Mackenze Astin was wonderful as "Iron Will". The kind of young man he portrays is not seen too often, in modern-day USA. Didn't you expect to see him whip-out his cell-phone and call for help when he needed it? How can it matter if the story is actually true ? It's the message of determination and upholding good, human qualities that wins the heart. How inspiring to see a film which teaches us that teenagers should know they are necessary to keep a family going, not taking for granted they are owed everything, and are willing to make their own way.

Kevin Spacey ("Harry Kingsley") showed his skill at playing any role. His writing "from the heart" certainly helped inspire "Will's" determination to overcome all obstacles which stood in his way, no matter what - the reaction between racer and dogs was graphically detailed in this film. Amazing ! George Gerdes Guillarson ("Borg") as the evil opponent was skilfully played, showing there is always a war between honest participation and almost criminal behind-the-scene dealing in any competitive sport. All of the racers' roles were wonderfully played. Every role was cast to perfection.

Sappy or not, we need more films like "Iron Will." I rate it at "20" -

"Iron Will" is typical, formula Disney filmmaking, the kind that has you cheering for an underdog all the way even as he faces incredible odds. Will Stoneman (Mackenzie Astin, the son of John A. and Patty Duke) is a young man during the WWI era. After the death of his father (John Terry),he realizes that his one chance to save the family farm and provide for his own future is to enter a challenging dog sled race that stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to St. Paul in Minnesota. Often running on sheer determination, he has to win over the dog Gus who was his fathers' favourite while dealing with the evil machinations of a ruthless fellow racer (George Gerdes) and a greedy rich man (Brian Cox). In doing so, he captures the hearts of Americans, earning the nickname "Iron Will" from a reporter (Kevin Spacey) who's just as determined to make a name for himself.

While watching this, this viewer felt quite manipulated as the filmmakers pulled on the strings, doing everything possible to win over the audience. Overall, it's very predictable, turning what was a real-life story into a "root for the good guy" sports drama intended to inspire its viewers. (Unsurprisingly, the true story apparently played out differently.) It certainly has you hating the bad guys; even Spacey is very self-motivated at first, and it's hard not to cheer when Astin slugs HIM at one point.

Basically, it's well-made, with Charles Haid, a.k.a. Renko on 'Hill Street Blues', in the directors' chair, and an old script by John Michael Hayes given modern polishes by Djordje Milicevic and Jeff Arch. The cast is just fine, with Astin as the kind of youthful hero with whom kids can identify; also appearing are August Schellenberg, Richard Riehle, Penelope Windust, David Ogden Stiers, and Rex Linn. The only one out of all the canines used that really is given some sort of personality is Gus, an endearing pooch who seems to eye his young master with reproach after Astin seriously considers a cash offer from Cox to drop out of the race!

Wonderful wintry scenery & photography, some decent action & thrills, and the sincerity of the cast do help to keep this one watchable.

Six out of 10.

Midwestern farm kid in 1917 enters a grueling Winnipeg, Canada-to-St. Paul, Minnesota dog-sled race. Live-action adventure from the Disney Studio, scrubbed clean with good intentions, seems to have come off the same conveyor belt as "The Journey of Natty Gann" and "Homeward Bound". It's old-fashioned and inoffensive, despite clichéd villainy and an impossibly corny slow-motion climax (not to mention gaps of logic so wide, you could drag a dog-sled through them!). Mackenzie Astin (real-life son of actor John Astin and actress Patty Duke) is fairly good in the lead, though the movie is poorly directed and edited, without an ounce of honest inspiration. ** from ****