Lost Stallions: The Journey Home (2008) Reviews

• A film for someone you love, and for the entire family.

  Len98762008-09-02

  As a fan of the late June Allyson, my heroine since I was a little boy of 5 (over 56 years ago), I not only got a chance to see June for the 4th time, but I also got a chance to see Mickey and Jan Rooney. Both Mickey and Jan are delightful, and Mickey is a screen veteran I remember from "National Velvet" (with Elizabeth Taylor) and his splendid performances with the legendary Judy Garland. This is a truly wonderful horse opera. Like Mickey Rooney, I love horses. There is good direction by David Rotan, and good writing by Lovinder Gill. The film is not only for children, but is also intended for the whole family. It is not a film that you would be ashamed of, in any way--and, by all means, bring along someone you love. And, the film has a good old-fashioned happy ending. I cannot give enough praise for Mickey Rooney (who looks like my dad), still going after all these years. He is a multi-talented individual--and, like the late Judy Garland, has always encouraged newcomers in the show business industry. He, in fact, choreographed a number ('Treat Me Rough') for June Allyson, when she was getting started in movies. The late June Allyson had glowing things to say about Mickey Rooney and the late Judy Garland. Mickey and Jan make a wonderful, married couple--and Jan is a real trouper, as well. I rank this film an 8 out of 10, and it is highly recommended.

• The director responds. . .

  RWD22009-08-12

  I fully respect the opinions of others, but I wanted to clear up a few things that have been discussed: First, about the animals-- that is a REAL stallion as "Troubadour" in the movie, not a gelding or mare. Believe me, it was a challenge to work with him. Also, that is a REAL authentic Canadian timber wolf in the film, not just a "white dog." Second, the main character of Jake does not get arrested just for "throwing a rock through a window." He is seen hot-wiring a car and going for a joyride. The reason the police officer is so lenient is because he is the same officer from an earlier scene during the family's tragedy and he understands why Jake is lashing out and "running wild." He is shown giving a Harmony Ranch brochure to Jake's mom - an alternative to harsher punishment considering the family's recent misfortune. I don't think this is too far-fetched, especially considering many alternative boot-camps, ranches, and retreats for teen offenders or troubled youth are still found all over the US today. Finally, I do not understand why someone would bother watching a movie and bashing it here on IMDb if they knew right away from the description, actors they dislike, or genre that it was NOT a movie for them. Oh, and by the way, this was NOT a "major studio" film-- I WISH it were. I am proud of all that the cast and crew accomplished on such a tiny budget and tight schedule.

• Incredibly bad movie

  ullern2009-07-14

  Here's a family movie where the height of drama is when a whitish dog playing wolf barks at three youngsters in the wood. Pretty empty script. Bad acting all around - including the dog's performance. Absolutely nothing credible in the whole film. Like the culprit boy being caught breaking a window (without any motivation, of course, except his father died some time before - sob). He breaks down and cries and his mother cuddles him and comforts him when he's caught. No thought of punishment. This is a family film, can't have unsavory realities like punishment impinging on the good mood. When the 3 kids at "Harmony Ranch" "change", we're left wondering what the change is, what caused it and why it's presented as dramatic. Oh, that's right: one kid changed his helmet for a hat. Big change.

• Good idea, but it could have been executed better.

  feb11902011-03-04

  Let me start by saying that I am a horse fanatic! The horses in this movie were gorgeous, and probably one of the biggest expenditures here, along with Mickey Rooney. I am also a big Mickey Rooney fan. I think the movie had a decent storyline, except for the wolf chasing 3 loud teenagers in the daytime, on his own. That part is not entirely realistic, unless it was rabid. That is something that should have been thought out more. As well, why didn't all the parents know the kids were missing the night they went missing. You would think in such a small environment with troubled kids, everyone would know within hours, if 1 child was gone let alone 3. The last portion of the movie would have made more sense if the wolf started stalking the kids at night while they were sleeping, waking them up to chase them up the mountain, while a search is being mounted by the parents. It would have been more dramatic and realistic. I also do agree with some reviews saying the acting is wooden. It really and truly is, even from Mickey. He at least has the excuse of getting older. Keeping in mind though, that it was a low budget film, I think there was a very strong effort, on the part of everyone. Its a shame there wasn't more money in it, the movie could have been amazing!

• lost effort: don't bother

  wdawson-12009-08-09

  i watched this movie against my better judgment - i am so not a fan of mickey rooney. i ended up watching it in fast forward to minimise brain damage. saccharine music, execrable plot, wooden 'acting' and GUESS WOT???? NOT ONE STALLION IN THE WHOLE MOVIE. unless you are 5 years old (in which case you will fall asleep before half-way through) give it a major miss. this movie reminded me of one of those little golden books published by well-intentioned but hopelessly misguided adults who think that if a message has constant piano in the background, pretty horses, gruff but kindly old folk, token Indian mysticism and sleeveless denim jackets (how tough) it will circumvent completely natural teenage angst and make us all want to square dance in the dust. i don't think so. this movie is a collection of clichéd and stilted scenes which confirmed my worst fears; major studios have little appreciation of reality and absolutely no originality.