Review of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) by Winston J — 24 Jan 2009

One of Dreamworks Studio's underrated 2D animated films, 'Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron' has a great story and some well-timed comedy.

Although largely unknown or unseen by most audiences (it didn't do well at the box office), the film became one of my own personal favorite unknown animated drama/action picture. It was also one of my favorite early Dreamworks animated 2D movie. ('Prince of Egypt' and the unfortunately flawed 'El Dorado' are a couple others that impressed me.).

The film is strong on characters and their motivations. Both the animals and their human antagonists really are the movie's strength. They are not only well-defined, believable, and appealing, but also their conflicts seem real and it carries the story well to its exciting and well-plotted conclusion. (The audience I sat with in the movie house really locked into this film).

However, the choice of artistic design on some of the characters in this film leave much to be desired. Better design of the human figures in particular would have given this movie a five star from this viewer.

The early 3D animation mixed into the 2D was also somewhat annoying at times. Fortunately, not much time is spent with the film's early obvious less-than-compatible 3D visual intrusion into the 2D world.

'Spirit' is a great family picture, as well as good action/adventure movie, that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for what may have been a real gem missed by audiences in its original theatrical release.

******.