THE MOVIE PAGES feature SPIRIT:STALLION OF THE CIMARRON spirit.htm

Insight From the makers of "Shrek" comes this grand adventure set in the wild, wild west, "Spirit:Stallion of the Cimarron". This is a beautifully animated and soundtracked film aimed squarely at the kids and the child that beats withing every adults heart. I may be a big old softy but putting that aside, the audience were certainly enjoying the special screening I had the pleasure to attend. The opening scenes are frank as we witness the birth of the young foal Spirit. His mothers struggle is rewarded with a young foal who will grow into a loving, energetic, adventurous, inquisitive colt who explores and admires everything around him without fear. Matt Damon is the voice of Spirit, providing a narrative necessary to keep us informed without being invassive. Fabulous scenery and thrilling action scenes provide an endless panorama and a kaleidoscope of images that are a feast for the mind. Add to this a grand score by Hans Zimmer, a whole heap of cute songs by Bryan Adams, some excellent morals woven through out "Spirit:Stallion of the Cimarron", a "G" rating and here is a film all the family can really sink their teeth into. A relaxing retreat for the mind that is so refreshing best sums up the joy and satisfaction one derives from a film that provides so much pleasure. So don't dilly dally! Grab the kids, head for your local cinema, treat the littleones [and yourselves] to a popcorn and coke, then settle back, let the mind run free and become absorbed by "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron".

The Story "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" is a tale set in the grand old era of the Wild West. It is the tale of a stallion, a leader, Spirit and his encounter with the two legged ones. The introduction to the film is as grand as the Grand Canyon itself as we are taken on a flyover seen through the eyes of an eagle. The there in a grassy field we see a mare in the struggles of birth. She strains and whimpers and then delivers her foal. But not just any foal, for this foal will grow to become the leader and protector of his herd, his family. Spirit is an adventurous colt and while he shows all the strengths of leadership, his curiosity will lead to a chain of events that will seperate him from the herd and deliver him into the hands of the two legged ones. It will also lead him to new friendships that will result in love and new found respect, thanks to a young indian brave Little Creek. When Spirit is captured by horse traders working with the US Army it will be Little Creek who delivers him from the harsh Colonel. Both make a bold escape from the army Fort where they are being held. Little Creek takes Spirit to his village and here Spirit will discover his love for Little Creek's horse Rain. Little Creek tries to break Spirit, but no two legged one will ever ride the mighty stallion. All that will change when Little Creek and Spirit are faced with a life and death struggle to survive against the soldiers who attack Little Creek's village.

The Verdict "A charming fun filled adventure for all the family. The animation in "Spirit:Stallion of the Cimarron" is so crisp, so real, that after a while it is easy to forget that this is a film about horses. Of course a grand adventure like "Spirit:Stallion of the Cimarron" would not be complete without a soundtrack to match. Here the score of Hans Zimmer, combines with the songs written and performed by Bryan Adams, to add a delightful finishing touch. Definately one for all the family and guaranteed to give adults just as much pleasure as the little tackers."

What The Critics Say

"A fine, rousing, G-rated family film, aimed mainly at little kids but with plenty of entertainment value to keep grown-ups from squirming in their seats."
Tom Sander SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
"A cartoon that's truly cinematic in scope, and a story that's compelling and heartfelt -- even if the heart belongs to a big, four-legged herbivore."
Steven Rea PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
"The sumptuous, hot colors of the frontier are meticulously animated to create breathtaking scenes"
Audrey Rock-Richardson TOOELE TRANSCRIPT-BULLETIN
"For decades we've marveled at Disney's rendering of water, snow, flames and shadows in a hand-drawn animated world. Prepare to marvel again."
Bruce Westbrook HOUSTON CHRONICLE
"Like Shrek, Spirit's visual imagination reminds you of why animation is such a perfect medium for children, because of the way it allows the mind to enter and accept another world."
Mary F Pols CONTRA COSTA TIMES
"Kids should have a stirring time at this beautifully drawn movie. And adults will at least have a dream image of the West to savor whenever the film's lamer instincts are in the saddle."
Bob Strauss DAILY NEWS LOS ANGELES
"As simple and innocent a movie as you can imagine. This is a movie you can trust."
Eric D Snider DAILY HERALD
"The story, once it gets rolling, is nothing short of a great one."
Chuck Schwartz CRANKY CRITIC
"A welcome family film that extols noble values and offers first-class animation."
Loren King CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"The movie's big action scenes ... make you forget you're even watching animation."
Desson Howe WASHINGTON POST

The Cast

Matt Damon
James Cromwell
Daniel Studi
Chopper Bernet
Jeff LeBeau
John Rubano
Richard McGonagle
Matt Levin
Adam Paul
Robert Cait
Charles Napier
Zahn McClarnon
Michael Horse
Donald Fullilove
Connor Matheus

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Spirit
The Colonel
Little Creek
Sgt Adams
Murphy/Railroad Foreman
Soldier
Bill
Joe
Pete
Jake
Roy
Little Creek's Friend
Little Creek's Friend
Train Pull Foreman
Young Indian Boy