Disney's Hidalgo Movie Review
Hidalgo - The Story
Hidalgo is based on a true American legend about a horse and his rider in the old west. Frank T. Hopkins spent most of his life riding his mustang Hidalgo as a dispatch rider for the US Cavalry and had earned a reputation as "The Greatest Rider the West Had Ever Known." But horse racing was a big event around the world and a lot of people didn't think Frank and his "mutt" horse should have that kind of title. Arabian Stallion breeders challenged Frank T. Hopkins to participate in the Ocean of Fire - a 3,000 mile race across the desert. It's a brutal race that kills most men and horses, but Frank takes the challenge because he wants the cash to free the American wild mustangs before they are killed by the US government.
Hidalgo - Riveting Race
This movie is filled with beautiful imagery and scenery. The real excitement only starts once Frank T. Hopkins (played by Viggo Mortensen) starts the Ocean of Fire race across the desert. Frank and Hidalgo not only have to face extreme elements like locusts and sand storms, but they have to face sabotage! The other riders would rather see Hidalgo and Frank dead than in the winners circle. The movie is total eye candy and even if you're not a horse fan, you'll find yourself falling for Hidalgo - he's quite the character! Viggo Mortensen is awesome in this role, just like he was as Aragorn, and the other characters are great too.
Hidalgo - False Starts
Hidalgo is a beautiful flick with lots of action, once it gets going. The first twenty minutes is a bit boring, but does have funny moments. I guess the only thing that is really kinda lame about the movie Hidalgo is the way everyone is so rah-rah America at the end of the flick. It's just not realistic considering everyone is out the get "the american", Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang throughout the flick.
Hidalgo - DVD Features
While it's probably worth it to grab the Hidalgo DVD to add to your collection, you won't be getting a whole lot more than the flick itself. There are only a few extras - a behind-the-scenes look a the film and feature on horses. The only problem is that the mini-feature on "America's First Horse" can only be played on your computer. It's a bit of a pain to have to get up from your comfy couch to watch all the extras, so you might not even end up checking them out.Hidalgo - The Photo Finish
This movie's beautiful scenery, well-rounded characters and great music far out-weigh its cheesy ending.
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