Movie reviews - Hidalgo
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Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10

When, I first saw this film in Theatres, I enjoyed it a lot. I actually think this is the type of movie that will seem much better in Theatres. I watched it again of course when it was released on DVD on my big screen tv with home theatre sound, and trust me, it was still good, but there was something a little different about it. I think I realized how slow the movie actually is. Now I'm not complaining, just stating a fact, and although it was slow, for me it does not take away from how good this film is. You just have to over-look it. Compared to other slower films, the slowness in this one is really nothing.

Viggo Mortsensen really did a nice job of portraying Frank T. Hopkins. You can clearly see, he really got into his character. His accent is terrific, and he's part Indian, I loved that! The thing that impressed me the most was the part where he sings in the Native Tounge, and that is like one of my favorite scenes in the movie right there. (And yes, Viggo actually did sing that). I could watch that over and over, it amazes me, I just love it. And of course, his riding abilities are awesome, but everyone should know that from his performance as Aragorn in LOTR.

Now Hidalgo, of course, is just a really cool horse. Hey, that rhymed :P The friendship between him and Frank is great. No one hurts his horse! You'll definitely see that throughout the movie. There are some funny moments between these too as well.

I personally thought all the characters and costumes were fascinating! However, Lady Anne Davenport made me pretty sick, the only thing I liked about her where her clothes, ha ha. The Sheikh was a cool character, with just enough humour, anymore and it would've been silly. The Riders were interesting, I liked Sakr, the dude with the bird.

I was so glad that the relationship between Frank and Jazira didn't turn into anything romantic. There were kind of a few "uh-oh" moments, and some cheasy lines like, "The horse like ya", which is actually kind of cute...but I don't think it would've worked. They probably would've ended split up anyways, and then that would've probably upset the audience, especially the chicks. So the way they dealed with these two important characters was nicely done. I liked it.

There were some really good action scenes, not many, but they were still good. My favorite would be, oh what's the place? That's another thing about this film, the character names and places are hard to remember. You'd think it wouldn't be that difficult, considering I've seen all these complicated films like SW and LOTR, but I guess for some reason this is just harder. Anyhow..it's when Frank and some other of the men go to trade in the black Horse for Jazira, 'cause the Nephew of the Sheikh was keeping her until they brought it. Well, that entire scene in the market is really cool, and the black dude (see, I forgot his name too) can really kick some butt! I was really mad he died!

Now, the ending I liked! And that's one thing I'm picky about, how a movie ends. I thought Hidalgo's ending was perfect, it couldn't have been better. Seeing all those gorgeous horses gallop across the grassy feilds was a beautiful sight. I was glad that Frank let Hidalgo go with the other Horses, he did the right thing, and I know that because he cared for him, and wanted him to be free and happy. Hidalgo deserved it after all of that.

You're either going to love this film or hate it. I think most chicks who see it will like it, but I sure hope the majority of the reason isn't only because of Viggo :P Of course Horse lovers will really enjoy it too.