Have you ever gone to a theater only to find the movie you really wanted to see was completely sold out? Then to your complete surprise your Plan B movie wasn't just good, it was fantastic!

Well it happened to me in 1994 when I discovered the hidden treasure Iron Will. It's based on the incredible true-life story of Will Stoneman whose family faces sudden hardship after his father's death. With hopes of winning $10,000 in prize money, Will enters a grueling cross-country sled-dog marathon.

While the film work is excellent and there are great racing scenes, I was captivated by how Iron Will went far beyond your typical action adventure film. Many modern movies use special effects and frantic action sequences as "empty calories" to cover weak story lines. Instead this film gets it all right. With standout performances from then newcomer Mackenzie Astin, Kevin Spacey as a cynical journalist, and Brian Cox, the characters are richly drawn against a 1917 backdrop of small-town values with a big heart.

For real-life adventure, Iron Will is powerful like Remember the Titans or Eight Below. For life-lessons in a determined resolve to follow your dreams, it is up there with Walt Disney's iconic Swiss Family Robinson. One of life's great delights is to find wonder at a time you least expect it.

If this movie doesn't make you want to stand up and cheer, nothing will!

— John Flynn