Overall Thoughts: Charming throwback of a family flick isn't the original Spirit...but that's ok!
Truthfully, I did not expect much out of Spirit: Untamed. As someone who grew up with the original Stallion of the Cimarron from 2002, I thought this would be a cheap, soulless reboot more fit for a streaming service instead of the big screen. The trailers (except for a somewhat clever use of Taylor Swift's music) didn't exactly look promising, and the animation seemed more of something you'd see in 2005, not 2021.
However, upon seeing this with a friend the other day, I was very pleasantly surprised. Because this Spirit's throwback quality is perhaps its' greatest strength. From its' simple, unambitious feel and look, to its' quick, Saturday morning cartoon-style pacing, to its' wholesome story and delivery, it felt like a movie I would have seen as a kid. And, in a world where the quality and content envelope is constantly being pushed in Hollywood, it's really comforting and nice to still see things done the old-fashioned way.
Yes, Spirit: Untamed may have far from the best animation ever rendered. However, that does not mean it's not well-animated. The characters evoke a cartoon-y, 2000's Disney vibe. The backgrounds have a simple, unambitious and children's book feel. And the action scenes are given surprisingly good camerawork.
I also have to say, yes, Spirit: Untamed can feel like a Saturday morning kids' cartoon in its' gallopingly-quick pacing. But, that also does not mean it's story does not work. Despite moving a little too quickly over some serious situations and plot developments, the story remains focused on Lucky and her growth as a character. Her bond with Spirit grows naturally and is allowed to develop sincerely. Meanwhile, the set-up is surprisingly strong and nicely establishes the story's emotional heft.
Yes, this movie does rely on slapstick-style humor. However, that does not mean its' not funny nor do the voice actors seem stiff in their delivery. There's several surprisingly hysterical moments throughout the film. And, at the same time, the material is elevated by very effective comedic moments from McKenna Grace and Oscar-winner Julianne Moore (in her voice acting debut).
As the lead, Isabella Merced (formerly Moner) does a wonderful job portraying Lucky. In some ways, you might could say Lucky is DreamWorks Animation's attempt at the modern Disney Princess approach. There's moments in the film where you think she's going to start singing (and she does in one pivotal moment, though its' not in the same vein as a Mouse House musical). Jake Gyllenhaal manages to bring depth to the insecure, somewhat controlling persona of Lucky's Dad. Moore and Grace are funny and sweet in their roles, and Marsai Martin brings a bit of no-nonsense to her role as Pru.
On the downside, besides the film moving a little too quick at times, I did think the very end of the film was a little abrupt. A simpler ending with meaningful dialogue might have been a better idea on the screenwriters' part. Instead, it goes in a slightly clunky and "out of left field" direction that seemed like a bit of a head-scratcher. Thankfully, it doesn't overstay its' welcome.
Of course, I need to address the main elephant in the room...how can this exist alongside the original Spirit, especially since that movie was so different thematically? While Stallion of the Cimarron remains an understated classic of artistic integrity from DreamWorks' early days, Untamed plays a much different purpose. It brings the character back in a fun and different fashion for a new generation of horse lovers. (Fans of the original film and the Netflix series should still look for Easter eggs!) I also should point out that if this movie brings more of today's generation to watch the original film, I am all for that.
In the end, Spirit: Untamed is one of the year's surprises so far. It's a nice piece of old-fashioned, all-ages entertainment. It's funny, sweet, wholesome, refreshingly simple, and solidly-made on almost all counts.
In essence, it's a movie I am super happy that families can go see together on the big screen.
Grade: B+
Is this movie family-friendly? Spirit Untamed is rated PG for "some adventure action". The characters do find themselves in some perilous situations. Spirit and other animals do cause some slapstick mayhem from time to time. He kicks a few humans and tosses them aside cartoonishly. Lucky and Spirit don't make one jump, and do take a bit of a tumble into a canyon (they aren't badly hurt though, and the film is bloodless). Other than that, Lucky gets herself into several dangerous situations, often disobeying parental authority. Parents might need to have a talk with their kids to make sure they understand the danger and negative connotations of Lucky's actions. Ultimately, with no major content issues, I would say this movie is fine for ages 5 or 6 and up.
