The Derby Stallion

Teen heartthrob Zac Efron (High School Musical), a Disney Channel star currently appearing in the new big screen adaptation of Hairspray, plays horse-loving 15-year-old Patrick McCardle, who decides to train for the Derby Cup even though his baseball-pro dad (William R. Moses) is pressuring him to stick to the diamond. Craig Clyde's The Derby Stallion is derivative coming-of-age stuff, well-made but bulging with clichés--from the grizzled old trainer (Bill Cobbs) who helps teach Patrick, to the predictable subplots involving puppy-love romance and an ongoing feud with the local bully. Still, Efron's burgeoning popularity—he's a staple on the covers of all the major teen magazines, has more fan sites devoted to him than any other male star in his age group, and was voted one of People's 100 most beautiful people—should make this harmless family film popular with teens. Recommended. (E. Hulse)