Back to the movies
The long year of virtual school is winding down. Suddenly it’s as if the world has hit “unpause.” We are thinking again of activities that used to be so mundane but now fill us with all kinds of emotions: one of those is going to the movies. Personally, I feel unbridled excitement at getting back into theaters.
Spirit Untamed, hitting theaters Friday, June 4, could describe the excitement your kids will feel at getting to go to the movies again. If they are between 5 and 11, then family-friendly Spirit Untamed just might fit the bill this weekend.
A quick review of Spirit Untamed
Spirit Untamed is a feature-length introduction to the world of Netflix’s highly successful animated series Spirit Riding Free. This surprise hit among kids (mine included) has galloped through 8 seasons and counting. Why a Spirit movie now? Many of Spirit Riding Free’s original fans are moving on to tween viewing choices (yikes!). The filmmakers may want to introduce the next generation of preschoolers to the franchise.
Spirit Untamed also gives a nice bird’s eye view of the story’s world: Lucky Prescott (the voice of Isabela Merced) has a talent for bending the rules a little too much. Her best friends are Abigail Stone (the voice of Mckenna Grace) and Pru Granger (the voice of Marsai Martin). Lucky’s own independent streak is matched in the form of a wild mustang she names Spirit. After tireless efforts winning Spirit’s trust, Lucky embarks on several misadventures that get her into more trouble. Ultimately, Lucky and her friends undertake a quest to save Spirit’s herd from some no-good varmints (can you tell I live in Texas now?).
Both families not familiar with Spirit Riding Free and those who know it well will enjoy this sweet big screen adaptation of the series. I think critics are expecting it to rise to the level of the original Spirit movie from 2002, Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron, or a classic like The Black Stallion or Black Beauty. While we movie lovers always hope for an instant classic, kids’ movies that feature a positive message and uplifting if a bit predictable story fit the bill for your movie matinee.
Spirit Untamed covers friendship, both the human and animal variety, testing boundaries, discovering heritage and independence.
Flash family movie pack giveaway!
This summer, take the ride of a lifetime! From the studio that brought you How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Dreamworks Animation presents Spirit Untamed, rated PG. Beginning June 4, adventure awaits, only in theaters. Enter for your chance to win a Fandango code family pack and see the film in theaters.
