CLIPS MOVIE REVIEWS

by Roger Tennis

On CLIPS In January, 2012
WAR HORSE

British teen Albert (Jeremy Irvine) loses his beloved horse to the cavalry during WWI.

TRIVIA: Who wrote the novel upon which this movie is based?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (4 CAMS)        RATED PG-13

After his beloved horse Joey is sold to the cavalry, British teen Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine) leaves the family farm and enlists in the service during WWI - much to the displeasure of his father (Peter Mullan) and mother (Emily Watson). As Albert is thrust into battle in Europe, Joey touches many lives while trying to reunite with his true master. "War Horse" is an exhilarating and heartwarming epic adventure. It is reminiscent of the 1946 war dog classic "Courage Of Lassie". Directed by Steven Spielberg, who also helmed the recently released "The Adventures Of Tintin", this crowd-pleaser is first class all the way. He has a knack for good old-fashioned filmmaking that somehow seems relevant today. The depiction of battle scenes may not be as graphic as in "Saving Private Ryan", but these sequences are just as harrowing. Relative newcomer Jeremy Irvine is fine as Albert, although his inexperience is apparent during the film's first half. Tom Hiddleston is memorable as the kindly Captain Nicholls, who rides Joey into confrontation with the Germans. Equally good are Niels Arestrup and Celine Buckens as an old man and his ill granddaughter who hide the horse on their French farm. But it's the many horses portraying Joey who carry this movie and carry it well. These expressive animals display every emotion and pull on every heartstring. Many scenes will linger long after the ending - thanks to the stunning cinematography of Janusz Kaminski. It's hard to believe this is based on a stage play (and book). Although the PG-13 (for war violence) makes it a questionable family film, "War Horse" is a worthy addition to Spielberg's stable of blockbusters.