Watch A Fine Step

A Fine Step is a charming drama film from 2014, directed by Jonathan Meyers, that tells the story of a struggling horse trainer, Daniel Marks (Luke Perry), who is given a chance at redemption when he is hired to train a once-great racehorse named Willie. With the help of his friend and mentor, Charlie (Armand Assante), Daniel works hard to regain Willie's trust and confidence. As the story unfolds, we see how these two men, each dealing with their own personal demons, come together in pursuit of a common goal.

The movie begins with a glimpse into Daniel's life, where he is shown to be a man of limited means and prospects, trying to make a living out of training horses. However, he has been facing some tough times lately, after his best horse died in a freak accident, leaving him without a promising runner. Despite the odds against him, Daniel is determined to make a comeback, and Willie presents an opportunity to do just that.

Willie, once a champion racehorse, has become a shell of his former self, and his owners are considering putting him down. However, Charlie, who is also the owner of the stables where Daniel works, sees something in Willie, and convinces the horse's owners to give him another chance. Thus begins Daniel's journey of redemption.

The plot is driven by the characters and their relationships. Daniel, who is dealing with a failing business and a strained marriage, finds solace in working with Willie. He has to start from scratch with this traumatized horse, but he is patient and determined to gain his trust. Meanwhile, Charlie, who is a former jockey and experienced trainer, becomes Daniel's mentor and friend. He sees potential in the younger man and tries to guide him through the rough patches.

The supporting cast is also noteworthy, with Cameron Daddo playing the role of Daniel's estranged wife, Karen. Their relationship is on shaky ground, as Karen is frustrated by Daniel's lack of success and his single-minded focus on training horses. Yet, she still cares for him and wants to support him in his endeavors. There is also a subplot involving the owners of Willie, who are not convinced that he can be brought back to his former glory. They are skeptical of Daniel's methods and want to sell the horse, which creates more tension.

The film is beautifully shot, with gorgeous vistas of the Californian landscape, and the equestrian scenes are impressive. The training sequences, where Daniel and Willie are bonding, are particularly engaging, and the film does a great job of showing the intense bond between a horse and its trainer. The pacing is deliberate, but never boring, and the movie manages to strike a balance between drama and heartwarming moments. The score is also well done, adding to the emotional depth of the story.

Overall, A Fine Step is a heartwarming movie that celebrates the perseverance of the human spirit. It's a film about redemption, second chances, and the importance of human connections. The performances by the lead actors are sincere and nuanced, and the supporting cast adds a layer of complexity to the story. This film is a must-watch for horse lovers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good drama with a positive message.

A Fine Step is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.