Heartland

Heartland (2007)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


This has been on my to-watch list for ages after my mom first mentioned it to me, likely due to my well-known love of horses. Never seemed to have time for it though between work, family, and everything else. Finally had some time to start it while on Thanksgiving holiday and finished it during winter break.... or as close to finished as possible as it seems to still be airing. The story follows the life of Amy Fleming and her family through many highs and lows, all realistic and well portrayed. It is also well filmed for various angles including from the saddle, from a horse's perspective, and even from the ground. All in all, it combines for a real life drama including a very healthy dose of horse sense that is thoroughly enjoyable.

Come Sundown

Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's been a long time since I read a Nora Roberts book under that pen name. Mostly I read her J.D. Robb books these days. The writing flows very smoothly, and also being an equestrian, I found myself loving the ranch/resort life and falling into the rhythm very easily. The characters are strong and capable, even when they are a little crazy. Easy always seemed a little off, but not in the way it ended. Actually made me more sad for him, and hopeful that with that strong family rallying around him, maybe he can be saved. Roberts writing still draws me in and is enjoyable from start to end.

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The Red Fury

The Red Fury (1984)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A small Indian boy is separated from his family and taken in by a local horse breeder. After saving the man from his spirited stallion, he asks to have the very same horse as his reward. Most individuals seems fairly accepting of the town's new addition. There are a couple of children and one member of the school board in particular that want to make trouble for the boy though, kicking him out of the community school and framing him for various acts that get him in some trouble. When things get bad for the real trouble makers however, it's Frankie who races through the storm to get them the doctor in time, sacrificing his prized stallion, Fury, in the process. Goes to show hearts can change as these same trouble makers bring him Fury's last colt, who looks just like his old man, as a thank you for his service after previously ostracizing him every chance they get. It's rather bittersweet at the end when Frankie's father finally finds him and he returns home, as it seems he'd just found his place with a new family, though it's obvious he was missed and still missed his family in return (who wouldn't?). Still, it's a touching story if you pay attention, despite the obvious older filming and effects.

Into The West

Into The West (1992)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


A mysterious and rather magical horse will get two young brothers in a rather large heap of trouble as it teaches them about their missing mother and brings their family back together. Apparently Da needed a good sharp reminder about just what the priorities in life really are. The Dublin speech pattern can be a little aggravating if you aren't already used to it. Honestly got a lot more out of the beauty and intelligence of the horse than most else of the rest of the movie (other than being disgusted with the general sad state of man between the fathers obvious neglect and the soldier's willingness to lie and cheat).

The Silver Stallion

The Silver Stallion (1993)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The title seems a little misleading to me, even the alternative The Silver Brumby. Why? Because the horse isn't silver, which would refer to more of a grey or even a whiter coat. Rather, the main horse of the story is a pale palomino, which is a lighter golden hue. This is sort of a story inside a story as the events are recent and it's told in pieces by a mother to her young daughter who shares her love of horses. Have to say that I'm glad the horse isn't caught in the end as the "man" who is after him has a rather cruel way of breaking horses. Sad to see that portrayed as the expected method, though it's rather beautiful to see how the horses behave and thrive in the wild.

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger (2013)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Depp must enjoy playing strange roles - first Jack Sparrow, and now Tonto. Both have lots of face pain, obscure costumes, and strange speech patterns. As a comic redo, and a Western, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it did keep my attention (even if some of that had to do with the enjoy the horse gimmicks). That's not an easy combination to pull off. Not one for the favorites list, but definitely glad I saw it and wouldn't mind watching it again if it ever came up.

Longmire

Longmire (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Mystery and Western drama combine for the story of Longmire. It's been slow getting into it as the main character takes his own time doing things and does not reveal much. Each new case adds a new layer though, and as the second season starts soon, there is definite hope for this to become the favorite hit I hope it will be.

Serenity

Serenity (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Based on the TV series Firefly, this takes place after the series trying to wrap up many of the loose ends. In all honestly, I was convinced they were all going to die by the end of the film, especially as they braved the Reever fleet not once, but twice and intentionally goaded them to follow the ship. Despite her psychic abilities, being grabbed from behind, not to mention the sheer overwhelming numbers, should have meant River's end. By some miracle she saves the day, the truth of the Reevers comes to light (not something I ever expected to be the core of this movie when I heard about it), and the assassin who chased them across the galaxy ends up no longer on the side of the Alliance, though I don't think you can really say he's on the side of Serenity's crew either. Somewhat surprised I didn't have nightmares about these creatures as they are beyond horrifying on an entirely different level than most films (I'm thinking Dawn of the Dead or Resident Evil). Still, definitely sufficiently high on the creepy scale.

Firefly

Firefly (2002)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I don't really remember why, but I do remember that I had some reason why I didn't want to watch the series when it first aired. Thanks to an evening when hubby and I both needed to stay up to get work done after the baby went to bed, we were searching Hulu for some background noise to help make the time passing a little easier on us. Not finding anything new up for any of the series we do follow, we opted to turn on Firefly. It started mid-first season, but quickly proved it could be very entertaining and right up my alley between both the science-fiction element and the western portion. Now I'm wonder exactly why it was I didn't want to watch this series before as I entirely expect to enjoy the rest of the series now that we're watching it. Makes it a little disappointing to know the series has already been cancelled.

The Man from Snowy River

The Man from Snowy River (1982)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An older western style film, this tells the story of a young boy who loses is father early on in life and must learn to make his own way in the local ranch life. Wild horses, breaking horses, herding cattle, and meeting a girl he can't seem to help but fall for; the boy from Snowy River must learn how to be a man.

The Horse Whisperer

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The book gets a little more racy than the movie does, but either medium is enjoyable for this story. Being a horse lover, that was the first thing that caught my attention. Grace must learn how to move on and do things differently with her horse Pilgrim after a brutal accident leaving her handicapped, her friend Judith with her horse Gulliver both dead, and her own horse, Pilgrim, severely injured. Enter Tom Booker, the "horse whisperer." His own brand of patience, listening, and working with the horses is just the miracle on order for Grace, Pilgrim, and the rest of her family.

Flicka

Flicka (2006)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This movie takes place in Wyoming (where my husband is from) and is all about horses (my favorite animal) and how one girl finds herself in a wild mustang. With that alone, is there really any doubt that I would love this movie? The rodeo scene is familiar from the few rodeos I've had the chance to attend so far. The mix of family trouble, ranch rules, different breeds, and all around love of horses makes for a sometimes heartbreaking yet thoroughly enjoyable film. Always love playing this one.

Can a wild horse with a bad attitude and a not-quite-wild but pretty darn sullen teenage girl with a bad attitude be the best things that ever happened to each other? Though we guess the answer pretty early on in Flicka, it doesn't diminish the feel-good family film one bit. The film is a remake of the 1947 My Friend Flicka itself based on the bestselling (and still riveting) novel by Mary O'Hara. This 2006 update changes the hero to a heroine, Katy, though the dynamic is similar, and in some ways makes the appeal of the film broader. After all, young girls love their horses, and Katy's moxie and determination, as she opens her heart to the wild filly, a touchingly and humanly conveyed. As Katy struggles with her relationship with her gruff dad, she finds she can gain confidence and be the person her father wants her to be--solely by being herself as she connects with Flicka the horse. The cinematography is stunning, and showcases a part of America that once was seen and celebrated often in films, and lately so rare as to be precious. 

- source: listal

The Wild Stallion

The Wild Stallion (2009)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not much in the way of action or story line, there is a mellow undercurrent of learning and change throughout the film as young aspiring photographer Hannah learns the ropes of the range. Honestly this film held more draw for me from the horses than anything else. The draw in lines about the "black stallion" had me groaning and dreading some cheap knock off or story theft from the more popular series. Color me pleasantly surprised that while not overly detailed, the film kept me entertained and I'd happily watch it again. Though for the record, the stallion didn't look very black to me; more of a dark bay coloring with those red highlights in the sun.

Rango

Rango (2011)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Rango is the lead lizards chosen name off the partial name of a drink cactus after getting stranded in the desert. Originally from a glass cage riding in the back of a truck, this little lizard finds himself the proclaimed sheriff of a little town desperately in need of water. Now it's up to this back-water little lizard to discover why the towns water has suddenly gone dry and restore the faith of the people before it's too late. Who ever knew a love for acting and determination to play his role to the max would end up being so helpful in the long run?

Savage Sam

Savage Sam (1963)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Despite being Old Yeller's son, Sam looks nothing like him. Perhaps the most similar in their tenacity when going after wild critters like wolves and bobcats, it's no surprise that Arliss is particularly attached to this pup and as obstinate as ever when it comes to following his brother's orders. Landing the two brothers and their old friend, Elizabeth, into trouble with some local Indians, this film focusing more on their participation and the budding relationship between Elizabeth and Travis than on the dog himself. Unlike it's predecessor, your more likely to laugh than cry by the end of the film.

The Brave

The Brave by Nicholas Evans

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Of the Nicholas Evans books I've read, this was probably my least favorite of the bunch. The story was overly convoluted and let me often wondering how messed up and confusing one family can be. Over three generations, that's apparently a lot of messing up, lies, guilt trips, and more problems than can handle. Add to it the constant time skips back and forth. One minute you're reading about Diane when Tommy was a boy, the next it's Tom's point of view as an adult by himself or focusing on his son, Danny. Can't help feeling this could have been much better if it was better focused.

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Old Yeller

Old Yeller (1957)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


An older film about two boys and their dog, the stray "Old Yeller." Complete with annoying free-loading neighbors. When their father leaves for a cow drive, it's up to the boys to keep the farm running while he's away. With unfortunate consequences with Yeller, it's both a sweet and incredibly sad tale.

Cowboys & Aliens

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I'm not typically a very big aliens fan, but of course I love horses and cowboys, so that part made it all the more interesting for me. Some of the scenes with the aliens were rather on the predictable side, but aside from being scary and bleeding green goop, they seemed to be different from any others aliens I'd seen so far. Olivia Wilde was a surprise as we mostly knew her as Thirteen from House M.D. Daniel Craig seemed a little awkward in the saddle using some more common English techniques and spurs. A big contrast to Harrison Ford's more natural seat without spurs. For another rider, it was very obvious who'd spent more time in the saddle and was comfortable being there. My mother-in-law and I got a few laughs out of it comparing notes as she's from Wyoming and I've spent as much time as I could in the saddle since I was 5. Ended up feeling a little bad for Craig's character, Jake, at the end of the film. Overall it was a decent story and well made though. Nice variety and detail all the way through.

Hidalgo

Hidalgo (2004)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Meet Frank Hopkins and his incredible mustang express pony, Hidalgo. No longer in the service and living with the guilt of his mixed Indian heritage, Hopkins drags his champion with him through the circus. Hidalgo proves when he's had enough though and the race of a lifetime drops in their laps - an endurance ride across the unforgivable desert. The stakes are the title of the best and a rather impressive purse to turn anyone's head. Follow them across the desert as this pair learns just how much heart is left in them after all.

Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Ennis and Jack meet by chance herding sheep up on Brokeback Mountain one year. They each go their own way to live the lives they think are expected of them - marrying, having kids, working, trying to save money to buy their own ranches. Four years down the road they find themselves once again in each others lives. Their affair leads to Ennis' divorce and lost custody of his children. Struggling even harder between what they think is right and what they want, things continue to spiral out of control. Nothing turns out the way anyone plans.