Rating: Summary: Interminable, politically correct hogwash Review: Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh, but did Dreamworks really think that children would sit through an hour and a half of pretty pictures without anything close to a plot, or a single laugh, or one memorable song and not be bored out of their skulls?... Thank goodness for fast forward. And enough already with the skewed history lessons: every white man is [bad], every Indian is noble and gentle. Some of "Spirit" is gorgeously rendered, but on the whole it's inert and hopelessly dull.
Rating: Summary: Spectacular...... Review: This movie is sure to become a timeless classic! It follows the life of a young Mustang stallion named Spirit, and his encounters with Native Americans and Union troops. It tells the story of the American West, and provides a great historical backround. The movie has action, comedy, a little romance (between Spirit and a Paint mare named Rain) and tons of amazing animation. Horse lovers will appreciate the amzing animating techniques used to create the horses, and everyone will love the movie itself. Buy this movie! You will not regret it!
Rating: Summary: Artistic Focus Review: Spirit is more of a celebration of art, animation, nature and freedom than a fulfilling story. If you love movies for their artistic qualities, you will be in horse heaven. The "Tradigital" type animation is a blending of hand drawn traditional and computer animation. The combination produces spectacular results. I loved the scene where Spirit and the mare are swimming in the lily pond. The treatment of the stallion did have some cruel elements, but for the most part, Spirit does basically run free and is happy. Spirit also gives the humans a bit of a tossing about, so all seems fair in that regard and he seems to get his revenge. What I did worry about was that children would think that anyone who owns horses treats them cruelly. Which is not the case. The horse is treated cruelly by the Calvary. However, one wonders if when breaking in a wild horse, it would have been done any differently in reality. From what I've seen in regular films, it could be worse. I was trying to figure out the double meanings in the story because I felt it could not just be about a horse. Was this a fight for artistic expression without rules or a fight for individual freedom or a fight against the system? There seems to be a strong element of rebellion expressed by Spirit which is not normally seen in most animation that I've seen. Perhaps they were just emphasizing the feisty nature of a stallion. This movie seems to have been an experiment as none of the animals talk. Spirit doesn't talk and in this story and narration is by Matt Damon. Bryan Adams sings all the song and the words reveal Spirit's thoughts. So, for once you have to actually listen to the words of the songs to know what the main character is thinking. I like Bryan Adams voice, so enjoyed the movie for that element. Otherwise, I really think this movie needed a beautiful Native American princess to brighten up the movie. If you are in love with animation and want to take a visual journey through the West, this is gorgeous beyond all belief. I can only compare it to Princess Mononoke in regards to the scenery. The waterfall alone is worth the price of the DVD. I mean, they really did spend a great deal of time on making the animation absolutely perfect. I wish they would have spent a bit more time on the plot and included some women (ok, so there is a mare) as main characters in the story. The storyboards, animation details and "learning to draw" activities add an extra element and if you want to find out more about animation, they provide an fascinating behind-the-scenes look at making an animated movie.
Rating: Summary: A worthwhile watch Review: I bought the DVD not knowing much about the movie and apprehensively sat down to watch it, hoping it wouldn't have a lot of tragedy in it. I don't like the movies where the animals end up dying. Anyways, I thought this one was great, the storyline was good, the animation super smooth. I liked this movie so much more than Ice Age, as it had much more action. The soundtrack was more than acceptable. It is a nice, safe bet for the kids.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic! Review: My children love this movie! They also enjoy seeing the special features such as how to draw a horse. I was a little put off by the 2-D animation set against the 3-D animation, but I appreciate what the animators were attempting to accomplish. I think that next attempt at this merging will not look so much like a computer game.
Rating: Summary: overall a well done film Review: overall this is a well done film. Well animated tale about freedom and spirit. A few scary parts for the very young and lacks some of the great humor found in many of today's animations but still a thoroughly enjoyable family film.
Rating: Summary: Full of "Spirit"! Review: This wonderful family movie, "Spirit-Stallion of the Cimarron" will entertain adults as well as kids. It is like the Lion King, only it has a Horse in it. The horse is named Spirit, and for very good reason. "Spirit" is a free spirit. A horse who wants to be free, live free and not under man's dominance, and who can blame him for that? When i watched this movie, I was feeling depressed and discouraged. But by the time this movie was over, I knew that My spirit could overcome anything that the world dealt me, just like "spirit" did in the movie. This movie will warm your heart, and your Spirit will soar to new heights, and inspire you to never give up, to always dream, and to always follow your heart. Enjoy the show!
Rating: Summary: A Millionn Stars!! Review: If I could give this movie a million stars... I would! It is the BEST animated movie I have ever seen! The people who criticize it for not being your typical animated movie... and for the fact that the horses don't talk... are crazy!! Personally, I think there is nothing worse than a bunch of poorly animated animals singing and dancing to corny little song in the jungle, in a story that doesn't have any meaning at all. This movie has wonderful animation and music and without all the singing and dancing animals. It actually involves a little imagination. I loved everything about this movie... but if you aren't a horse lover, you probably won't understand it.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful Review: This movie was aboslutely amazing! Everytime I watch it, I cry, it is just so powerful and uplifting! The animation and the music are spectacular! I would reccommed this movie to anyone... there is something for everyone!
Rating: Summary: wow Review: Finally, someone has succeeded in creating an animated cartoon which can truly be placed up there with the greatest films in history. The animation is truly superb and, for once, the horses DON'T speak, they neigh!!! Finally, another company has created a film whic is better than the cute disney 'everything will be alright in the end' films, and actually handle humour, tragedy and suspense in an animated sequence. If you are to see one film this winter, see Spirit. However, beware of the soundtrack, for, although it is fantastic, it has a tendancy to become stuck in your head, so watch this at your own peril.
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