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War Horse - Movie Review
Grade: B-
The father of high budget and gaudy blockbusters has returned with a film that just screams Oscar bait. Predictably Spielberg, War Horse boasts an epic blockbuster with stunning cinematography, a sense of passion, and overall a heartfelt period piece. But although the film is perfectly coherent in its emphasis on sentimental value, it unfortunately, remains content with its soundness and unambitious nature.
Based on both Michael Morpugo’s novel and the 2007 stage adaptation of the same name, War Horse focuses on the “miracle horse” Joey, apart-Thoroughbred stallion that’s small size and superficial-based appearance deems him the archetypal “underdog.” When he is impulsively auctioned bought by farmer Ted Narracot, his son Albert (Jeremy Levine) - a dedicated adolescent who is seemingly the sole believer in Joey’s potential - trains the stallion who Albert ends up forming an almost brotherly bond towards. When the Great War encumbers all of England, the Narracot family’s financial position - much to the dismay of Albert - forces them to sell Joey, enrolling his friend in the unforgiving war. The film then focuses on Joey’s journey throughout the war, and Albert’s expedition to reunite with his horse. Overall, the film’s simple revelation is that a strength of a relationship coincides with an unbreakable bond; Resulting in a premise that is predictable and somewhat cliche, but it is approached in such a way that is truly relatable.
