I just returned from the theater with my family after watching Spirit and realized that I enjoyed it as much if not more than my children. Spirit may not have been the blockbuster that it could have been (for reasons that I will touch upon below), but it is a strong film with stunning animation. From the opening frame, the rich textured backgrounds are lush and beautiful. The characters have a very "Aeon Flux" look to them that actually melds nicely with the scenery.
The narration by Matt Damon, and the voice acting of James Cromwell (of "Babe") was also very well done.
Some individuals I know have complained that this movie makes the US look bad while placing the American Indians in a positive light. I love my country (The USA) as much as anyone, but I did not feel that this was the case. I felt that this movie was based on the stallion's fear of ANYONE, not just the white man. It was a movie about freedom, not about an "evil" US government. And, the freedom that this government gives us, enables Dreamworks to present such a film. So if you are opposed to seeing American Indians as shown as having a heart, do not see this film. If you would like to see a good family movie intended for those with an open mind, please do yourself a favor, and see this movie. It may even make you appreciate your freedom.
I give Spirit 7 out of 10 stars.
The narration by Matt Damon, and the voice acting of James Cromwell (of "Babe") was also very well done.
Some individuals I know have complained that this movie makes the US look bad while placing the American Indians in a positive light. I love my country (The USA) as much as anyone, but I did not feel that this was the case. I felt that this movie was based on the stallion's fear of ANYONE, not just the white man. It was a movie about freedom, not about an "evil" US government. And, the freedom that this government gives us, enables Dreamworks to present such a film. So if you are opposed to seeing American Indians as shown as having a heart, do not see this film. If you would like to see a good family movie intended for those with an open mind, please do yourself a favor, and see this movie. It may even make you appreciate your freedom.
I give Spirit 7 out of 10 stars.