Although “Seabiscuit” induces the sort of emotions that Oprah Winfrey or even her protégé Dr. Phil incite these days, the film is a welcome change amid the thunderous racket of this year’s sequel-filled summer. Based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand, “Seabiscuit” recounts the inspiring tale of the Cinderella horse that rose to become the most popular and winningest horse of its time. The familiar story of beating the odds and overcoming adversity has forever been a Hollywood staple but has often failed to evoke the necessary emotions to distinguish itself from the crowded market. Through the work of writer/director Gary Ross, the film bypasses its overtly sentimental storyline to transform itself into a wonderful docudrama that rivals much of Steven Spielberg’s greatest work. Using documentary filmmaking techniques and historian David McCullough as narrator, Ross captures the feeling of Depression-era United States, heightening the struggles of the film’s characters. The success of the film lies in Ross’ ability not to get too caught up in sentimentality but instead to humanize and convey the internal complexities of the story’s three main characters: the jockey, the owner and the trainer. Of course, an excellent cast of Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper doesn’t hurt.