neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron
	Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook Matt Damon, James Cromwell, Daniel Studi 2002		DreamWorks' challenge to Disney for animated-feature dominance continues with the adventures of a wild mustang stallion in the Old West, narrated by Matt Damon. Curious about a campfire, our equine champion leaves his happy herd and is captured by cowboys who bring the proud steed to a nearby fort. There, the officer in charge tries to break the horse for cavalry use. A young Lakota tribesman is also imprisoned at the fort, and the stallion and the Native American end up together, on the run. "Spirit" is decent, but not best-of-show. Designed to appeal to kids, the simple storyline about the horse's odyssey is enhanced by a vibrant visual style and a moral lesson about the evils of despoiling nature. The smooth mesh of 2-D line art and 3-D computer animation creates a sweeping, panoramic view of the wide open spaces that should hold most parents' interest. A hitch: "Spirit" is encumbered by inappropriate pop songs from singer Bryan Adams. Next time, DreamWorkers, just say "Whoa!" to power ballads.