Thursday, April 19, 2012

War Horse


It’s not very often that a movie comes around that offers a heartfelt tale of family, faith and perseverance. Such movies are few and far between, especially coming from Hollywood that seems more intent on producing big, flashy, special effects laden epics that barely manage to squeak by with PG 13 ratings.


Director Steven Spielberg has produced his share of such movies. But, as a scholar of cinema past, he appreciates the movies of yesteryear. He’s often said that many of his favorite films exude a strong moral feel with an emphasis on family and honor.


He delivers such a film with War House, a powerful tale of overcoming insurmountable odds, faith, perseverance and hope. Beautifully filmed, the movie reminds me of the family friendly films from the 1940s and 1950s with big sweeping outdoor vistas, memorable and lovable characters and a strong story ripe with moral teachings.


War Horse centers round Joey the horse and his long and sometimes dangerous journey through the war fields of WWI and his eventual reunion with his friend and master Albert.


The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy contains several featurettes on the making of the film, commentaries, costumes, special effects and music/sounds.

It’s a great film for the family made by Dreamworks Pictures that is uplifting, magnificent and joyful.