MOVIE REVIEW - War Horse

There's been a lot made of the new Steven Spielberg flick, War Horse. The novel, and the stage play have been around for a while and now it's the movie's turn.

War Horse is the story of an extraordinary thoroughbred horse in the early 20th century. Joey is his name, and he leads a adventure filled life. He is born in England and is sold to a drunken farmer who for some reason bought the running horse instead of a plow horse that he needed. His young son then bonds with the horse and makes him more than just a running horse. Joey is then purchased by the Army at the beginning of WWI. Joey is an English officer's horse till the officer is killed.

Joey then is confiscated by the German army, then escapes. Then he is the property of various sides and continually escapes. Many times Joey is facing the end of his storied life, all the while wanting to be reunited with his owner from many years ago back on the farm. Can Joey make it through all the horrific situations that were WWI? That is War Horse.

First of all this is a wonderfully filmed movie, with many breathtaking scenes. Plus, there are many heart moving, emotionally powerful scenes with truly unbelievable performances by the horses themselves. You find yourself locked in to Joey's life for the most part, and are rooting for him the whole while. From a movie making perspective, much of this is championship movie caliber. The story is one you have not seen before told with this backdrop. Spielberg is capable of making "pretty" movies and this is one.

There are some difficulties though with War Horse. There were a few portions in the first hour where they were losing me. A stumble out of the gate if you will. Too much time in a repeated set up that we completely understood the first time. War Horse though does gain momentum.

War Horse too at times becomes a real commentary of the deplorable conditions of WWI. Now that's not a bad thing, but there are a few moments where focus is lost, but are quickly regained. For those viewers having no idea about WWI this will be a real learning tool, and I think that is great. But be advised, there are some hard to watch scenes here, and many of them do involve much cruelty that was inflicted on these animals, and people in WWI. (None actually in the movie making of course.)

I think it is very important point out this is not a typical "horse" movie. Put all those older movies out of your mind when considering going in here. This is entitled "War Horse." This is the story of horse fighting to live through the most cruel, and detestable war in history. This is really tough stuff at times. Do not think this is a young child's, or young family movie. There are numerous moments that animal lovers, and children will have a hard time digesting if they can even bear to watch the screen.

But the strength of War Horse as a story are the caring people on both sides of the war that came across Joey and realize that there was something chosen about him. That no matter what the conflict between nations were, there was still the love of animals, and the respect that a horse soldier could stir up in these men. And that makes for good story telling.

War Horse. Yes, it's a story of finding your way home and that's nothing new. But it is so much more. A beautifully filmed Spielberg film. Not one of the years 5 best, but certainly an upper tier movie.