Hey, Hollywooders! What’s Good in the ‘Wood?
I just got back from seeing Spirit Untamed, one of the many new movie releases out now in movie theaters.
I took a look at theaters near me to compare movie showtimes and settled on going to the 3:40 p.m. movie showtime at the Showcase Cinemas theater near me. The theater was busier than I was expecting it to be for a matinee show on a Friday. While the seats were socially distanced, walking into the auditorium and seeing multiple rows filled with audience members was surprising and teased a sense of normalcy.
Of course, everyone is different with their comfort level and each theater has different policies, so check out our article on how to safely head back to the movie theaters.
Spirit Untamed sets itself apart from other animated films
As the events of Spirit Untamed began to unfold, I figured it would be like every other fairytale with a female protagonist where the girl longs for a life different than the one her family wants for her. However, I was pleasantly surprised and instead found Spirit Untamed to be a heartwarming movie about self-discovery and building meaningful relationships.
The DreamWorks Animation film stars Isabela Merced, Mckenna Grace, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza González, and Julianne Moore. It is based on the 2002 film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and the Netflix series Spirit Riding Free.
Spirit Untamed follows Lucky— a girl who lost her mom in a horse-riding accident when she was a baby— as she travels back home to Miradero to reunite with her dad. Upon returning to the town, she instantly finds ways to connect with her late mother but struggles to reconnect with her father after 10 years of living away from him.
Lucky is wowed by the horses at the rodeo near her dad’s house and takes a liking towards one she calls Spirit. Spirit was a wild horse who was put in danger and Lucky wants to help him, but her father doesn’t want her near horses due to her mother’s unfortunate accident. The story then focuses on the relationship Lucky builds with Spirit, the friendships she forms in the process of helping Spirit, and the rekindling of her relationship with her father.
The bond of a lifetime begins today. #SpiritUntamed NOW PLAYING in theatres. #DreamWorksSpirit pic.twitter.com/LNxTha7eoU
— UniversalPicturesCAN (@UniPicturesCAN) June 4, 2021
Prior to living in Miradero, Lucky had to follow rules that her grandfather and aunt had set in place for her. Once she got to her father’s house, she was able to explore her own identity and what made her happy. The title of the film not only refers to Spirit, who is not meant to be kept in a cage but also refers to Lucky who could not be stopped from following her heart.
I thought Spirit Untamed had a much deeper message than other DreamWorks films I have seen in the past. While there are DreamWorks movies from my childhood that I enjoy for the nostalgia factor, I genuinely enjoyed watching Spirit Untamed as an adult and appreciated its storyline.
What other movie lovers thought of Spirit Untamed
Fans have been buzzing on social media following the release of Spirit Untamed. After all, who doesn’t love a good animated movie?
Rachel said she loved Spirit Untamed’s cast and found the story inspiring.
Love this cast and loved the movie, so entertaining and inspiring! ? #SpiritUntamed is certainly something the whole family can watch together this weekend. ? #IsabelaMerced #MarsaiMartin #McKennaGrace @Dreamworks @UniversalPics #NewMovie https://t.co/tJPtYPzTJt
— RACHEL SMITH (@RachelVegasTV) June 4, 2021
This reviewer noted the importance of racial representation in the film.
#SpiritUntamed should inspire young audiences with its upbeat energy and positive representation. https://t.co/ZloRwSuDte
— That Shelf (@ThatShelf) June 4, 2021
Tre said he would definitely recommend this film to others.
#SpiritUntamed was so good definitely recommend it to everyone congrats @isabelamerced @Dreamworks pic.twitter.com/y2LOAWQqFC
— Tre (@Legit_Tre) June 4, 2021
The Irish Film Critic wrote that Spirit Untamed is a story of loyalty and the bravery to be who you truly are.
Movie Review: #SpiritUntamed Doesn’t Just Horse Around … It Bridles Loyalty And The Courage To Live One’s Truth https://t.co/tNeWxlzUXt @Dreamworks @UniversalPics pic.twitter.com/jpxxqNKwhG
— Irish Film Critic (@IrishFilmCritic) June 4, 2021
In a Los Angeles Times review of Spirit Untamed, author Katie Walsh wrote, “…Spirit Untamed is a sweet film with a moving message about embracing family, heritage and most importantly, yourself, just the way you are, even if that means bravery and recklessness often go hand in hand.”
Pete Hammond of Deadline said, “There is something comforting about this spirited slice of family entertainment that hits a spot needed right about now— a girl-and-her-horse movie for the new age.”
I didn’t have many expectations going in to see Spirit Untamed, but I left having thoroughly enjoyed the story told throughout the hour and a half film. If you decide to check out Spirit Untamed in the movie theaters, I promise you won’t regret it!
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