Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron

Matt Damon
James Cromwell

Horse lovers young and old will celebrate Spirit, an utterly enjoyable and marvellous-looking animated film. The titular stallion runs free in the Cimarron (New Mexico) wilderness until a series of men try to master the proud horse, leading to adventures through a US Cavalry fort, Native American settlements, and a railroad camp. Despite a heavy dose of political correctness and realism (the animals don't talk; we only hear Spirit's internal monologue, voiced by Matt Damon), directors Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook give their hero many only-in-a-movie moments, including an action sequence rivalling any of James Bond?s escapes. The stirring mix of 2-D and 3-D animation is absolutely stunning and aptly fuelled by composer Hans Zimmer's synthesised score. The film earns one demerit for 80s rocker Bryan Adams's abundant songs--a different singer could have brought more to the film.--Doug Thomas, Amazon.com