Emma's Chance

Emma's Chance appears aimed at tween to teenage girls. However, it has broad appeal and works as an educational, family-friendly film on two levels. In the "big picture," the movie sheds light on the 152,000 horses who are killed each year for meat after they are no longer useful to their owners. In the "little picture," children will learn about the tremendous time commitment a horse requires-along with the rewards of bonding to an animal. This movie is a must see for anyone who wants a horse. Red Bucket Equine Rescue, the real-life non-profit that serves as the location for the movie, says 85% of first-time horse owners get rid of their animals within five years. The movie uses Red Bucket to convey its message. Filming took place on the group's ranch in Chino Hills, California. According to its website, all the horses in the movie were rescues, including the star, show jumper "Chance", who was played by four different rescue horses. Actor Missy Pyle portrays real life founder Susan Pierce and actual volunteers filled in as extras. Adults will learn about the crushing financial burden facing Red Bucket and similar charities in need of support. Children will learn about the commitment and rewards of taking care of a horse through Emma (Greer Grammer). This "good girl" agrees to perform community service after falling in with the wrong crowd and soon learns to love horses. At times Emma's Chance feels like an infomercial, much like Apple of My Eye, which used Southeastern Guide Dogs to spotlight guide animals. However, both movies present meaningful messages in a thoughtful and entertaining way. There is nothing offensive in Emma's Chance. Even the "mean girls" are not really mean, just in need of a teachable moment. The movie moves in an uplifting trajectory and mirrors Emma's increasing self-confidence as she tackles the task of caring for a horse. The final scene may sadden some children, but it teaches an important life lesson.

source: Emma's Chance

Emma Bailey (Greer Grammer) is a good girl and a pushover. Peer pressure pushes her to trespass onto a horse ranch run by Susan Peirce (Missi Pyle). She gets caught and has to do community service at the ranch. Kevin Chambers (Joey Lawrence) is the head ranch hand. The story is simplistic. Of course, it ends with a contest and the prize winnings needed to save the situation. It's missing a good boy to be her romantic partner. It has the bad boy but she needs a good boy to pair with. He could be a student at school or a ranch hand or a student who follows her to the ranch. This does have the higher purpose of promoting a real place caring for abandoned or abused horses.

Emma's Chance appears aimed at tween to teenage girls. However, it has broad appeal and works as an educational, family-friendly film on two levels. In the "big picture," the movie sheds light on the 152,000 horses who are killed each year for meat after they are no longer useful to their owners. In the "little picture," children will learn about the tremendous time commitment a horse requires-along with the rewards of bonding to an animal. This movie is a must see for anyone who wants a horse. Red Bucket Equine Rescue, the real-life non-profit that serves as the location for the movie, says 85% of first-time horse owners get rid of their animals within five years. The movie uses Red Bucket to convey its message. Filming took place on the group's ranch in Chino Hills, California. According to its website, all the horses in the movie were rescues, including the star, show jumper "Chance", who was played by four different rescue horses. Actor Missy Pyle portrays real life founder Susan Pierce and actual volunteers filled in as extras. Adults will learn about the crushing financial burden facing Red Bucket and similar charities in need of support. Children will learn about the commitment and rewards of taking care of a horse through Emma (Greer Grammer). This "good girl" agrees to perform community service after falling in with the wrong crowd and soon learns to love horses. At times Emma's Chance feels like an infomercial, much like Apple of My Eye, which used Southeastern Guide Dogs to spotlight guide animals. However, both movies present meaningful messages in a thoughtful and entertaining way. There is nothing offensive in Emma's Chance. Even the "mean girls" are not really mean, just in need of a teachable moment. The movie moves in an uplifting trajectory and mirrors Emma's increasing self-confidence as she tackles the task of caring for a horse. The final scene may sadden some children, but it teaches an important life lesson.

This movie has a story that never gets old and leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. Greer Grammer shines as the main character and the viewer becomes as invested in the cause as the main characters are. Definitely something all ages can appreciate - send a copy over to Grandma's house with the kids and all will enjoy! Great for horse lovers, and anyone who appreciates a happy ending. Particularly lovely and refreshing seeing this age group presented in a wholesome way.

OK, as a professional who has been riding and competing for over 40 yrs, teaching riders for 30+yrs, I'm not going to grade this as an equestrian. Because it's a film, and a cute, family film. I did find it a bit slow in parts, and we don't really have a strong identity with Emma--perhaps because she's not sure of who she is either. For those looking for a 'horsey' movie, I wouldn't even say this is a film with a lot of riding shown. It has horses, but it's not really like Sylvester or International Velvet--with a character looking to compete. This is more of a 'save the day' type film. And, while it may look happy, the ending is rather sad I find (good sad, but still rather sad) The focus of this is really the rescue organization, and I'm rather surprised at how well funded this organization is! I've rehabbed many rescues, and never had the kind of gear they do ;) But, it doesn't matter: They have saved many horses and donkeys and it's wonderful to see those animals in the film. The one playing Chance is gorgeous---obviously a retired hunter. Just a side note: We never use the term 'dirty stopper'. Quitter or stopper describes a horse that quits a fence: I've never in my 40 yrs rode a horse that wanted to intentionally throw the rider--and my forte was riding stoppers. I've done my days of flying into fences, and in all instances, they were rider error. Horses quit at a fence when they are in pain, scared or unsure of themselves. The reality is, not all horses like to jump, or have a certain height they are comfortable with. When they are pushed past their comfort, and even worse, have an accident, it can scare them forever. The key is knowing where to put those horses and not push them past their ability. Also, visual issues are another thing to consider if a horse stops. I've ridden many a blind horse to victory in the hunters/jumpers and in Eventing---a horse only needs 1 good eye, and a a lot of love and confidence. :)

Emma (Greer Grammar) gets in some teenage trouble and has to perform Community Service where her "crime" was committed: at the Red Bucket Rescue Equine Reserve. The Red Bucket Equine Reserve actually exists in California and has saved thousands of abused horses. I watch a TV show called Heartland, a rescue horse farm in Canada, and it has been on since 2007 (and still going strong) and yes, I watch the re-runs also. So I am addicted and when I saw Emma's Chance I had to watch it. The production is a little sappy at times, but can be watched by the whole family. Why there is a cautionary statement in the beginning that says it may not be suitable for small children is beyond me. There is no violence or anything threatening in here. (what if the small children are afraid of horses?) Hmmm Emma learns more about horses and horse care than she ever imagined she would. Emma endears herself to a horse named Chance and she becomes only the 2nd person he lets ride him. The script is somewhat sketchy, but it gets in what is needed. The acting is a little shaky in places, in the sense that it's "get in" and "get out." as quickly as possible. That is the main failing, but this can be overlooked and I did that. I was more interested in Emma's relationship with Chance an abused and temperamental horse that Red Bucket did actually help save. And here they could have spent more time and inserted a little more humor. Over all a good family movie that promotes the Red Bucket Equine Reserve in a good way. At the end of the movie you will see the Red Bucket's accomplishments. Willow was the real name of the horse that was actually saved, but in the movie that horse was called Chance. See? And, yes, Greer Grammar is a daughter of Kelsey Grammar. (You knew we would ask, right?) (5/10) Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: No.

Yes, the movie is sugary sweet and predictable as heck, yet it's a film, in my opinion, that anyone in the family can enjoy. Wow! no explicit language, sex scenes, or violence in a movie these days. What is this world coming to? The premise revolves around a teenage girl, Emma Bailey (Greer Grammar), who has fallen under the bad influence of some friends, and has been given community service at the Red Bucket Equine Reserve, in Southern California (an actual reserve which has rescued and rehabilitated over 300 horses to date). Emma will grow to love the place and will form a special bond with the beautiful but temperamental horse Chance (a horse that was actually rescued at Red Bucket). However, the ranch is under constant financial stress and now things are getting quite dire. Thus, Emma and many others will do all they can to save it from being sold. Grammar is solid in the lead role here, and Missi Pyle, Joey Lawrence, Christina Robinson, Jennifer Taylor, and Shanna Strong add well to the mix. The movie is written and directed by Anna Elizabeth James. Overall, if you're looking for an action flick or a deep drama this is not it, but it's simply a feel-good light tale that anyone of any age might enjoy.

Emma's Chance