Watch The Great Alaskan Race

In 1925, the remote town of Nome, Alaska was hit by a deadly outbreak of diphtheria. With the only serum in existence located over 1,000 miles away in Anchorage and no way to transport it by air, a group of brave mushers and their sled dogs took on the daunting task of delivering the serum across treacherous terrain in the midst of a blizzard. The Great Alaskan Race is a retelling of this incredible true story.

Brian Presley stars as Leonhard Seppala, a seasoned sled dog racer who is selected to make the trek to Anchorage to retrieve the serum. Treat Williams plays Dr. Welch, the physician who orders the serum and coordinates the plan to transport it to Nome. Brad Leland portrays the wealthy and ruthless businessman who, for his own selfish reasons, has an alternate plan to deliver the serum via airplane.

As Seppala sets out on his journey, he is immediately met with a myriad of obstacles, from harsh weather conditions to dangerous wildlife. Along the way, he enlists the help of fellow mushers and their loyal dogs, each with their own individual strengths and weaknesses. The bond between Seppala and his lead dog, Togo, is particularly emphasized throughout the film, as Togo's determined spirit and resilience carry the team through some of the toughest stretches of the journey.

Meanwhile, Dr. Welch and his team anxiously await news of the serum's progress, uncertain of whether or not it will arrive in time to save the lives of the townspeople afflicted with diphtheria. As time ticks away, the stakes grow higher and the tension builds.

The Great Alaskan Race is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking shots of snowy landscapes and thrilling scenes of dog sled races. The performances are solid, with Presley bringing depth and complexity to his portrayal of Seppala, a man driven by a deep sense of duty to his fellow humans and love for his dogs. Williams is also excellent as the determined doctor, who must navigate bureaucratic red tape and the logistical challenges of delivering the serum.

Although the film is largely faithful to the true events that inspired it, the script does take some liberties with the historical record. Some of these choices, such as the inclusion of the antagonist businessman, seem unnecessary and distract from the overall message of the film. However, the core themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the power of the human-animal bond are all effectively conveyed.

Overall, The Great Alaskan Race is a compelling and inspiring film that celebrates the bravery and fortitude of both humans and animals. Its stunning visuals and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of historical dramas and adventure films alike.

The Great Alaskan Race is a 2019 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 29.