Lucky (voiced by Isabel Merced) is a rambunctious girl who would rather play with the squirrel outside her window than do her math homework. When she unexpectedly ruins the launch of a political campaign for her grandfather she is shipped off to the American Southwest to stay with her estranged father Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal) accompanied by her Aunt Cora (Julianne Moore). Once in Miradero Lucky slowly gains her footing. She meets a couple of girls about her age Pru (Marsai Martin) and Abigail (McKenna Grace) that are deep into horses. Lucky also begins to pick up some clues about her mom who was a great performer but died the reason her dad to send her off to her grandparents for safety.
Directors Elaine Bogan and Ennio Torresan Jr. alongside writers Aury Wallington and Kristin Hanh craft a new entry in the Spirit franchise that originated with 2002's Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron followed by the Netflix series Spirit Riding Free in 2017. The story has its villain, respect for nature and animals alongside a very positive message for young girls and their ability to formulate a plan and get the job done.
Lucky on the train into town became intrigued by a pack of wild stallions running free beside the track. A group of horse thieves also on the train noticed them as well and stopped in Miradero to round up the herd. Lucky runs into the lead stallion again at Pru's dads' barn. She slowly gains the Mustang's trust as the horse thieves lurk in the shadows waiting to pounce once Lucky is welcomed into the fold.
The animation is sharp but not fantastical. The action on the screen could easily have been part of a live action production. It's a welcome departure from most animated features that have little to no practical elements. The sound department lead by David Bach who also have dialogue on their plate in an animated feature produced a rich score to support the activity on screen. As a bonus there's Abigail as the singing cowgirl crooning spontaneous ditties that are part comedic and a touch expositional.
Spirit Untamed is a brisk paced straight ahead tale that touches on important themes such as friendship, trusting in yourself your and standing up when called to action. The production is heavily female lead with three determined young female characters heading the cast. There's also a further subtle message of letting nature be. Lucky never put a saddle on Spirit acknowledging from the start and throughout the piece that the stallion can not and should not be tamed.
*** 1/2 Out of 4.
Spirit Untamed| Elaine Bogan/Ennio Torresan | U.S.A. | 2021 | 87 Minutes.
Tags: Animated, 19th Century, Frontier Town, Trick Rider, Apples, Mustang, Horse Thieves, Train, Wanted/Reward, Canyons, Wild Horses.
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