“Dances with Stallions” is what comes to mind when thinking about “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” which is the new animated movie from DreamWorks Pictures.

"Spirit” tells the story of the old west through the eyes of a wild stallion named Spirit. Spirit is a curious and arrogant horse who really cherishes his freedom until one night when he wanders to close to a “human” campsite. Spirit’s journey after that night brings him face to face with a harsh Yankee Colonel (James Cromwell) and an Indian brave named Little Creek (Daniel Studi). Spirit develops a bond with Little Creek and their developing friendship gives Spirit a new look on that of the emerging West.

“Spirit” is a brilliant attempt at trying to shake the Disney-style animated movie formula. DreamWorks first attempted this with “Prince of Egypt” and really paved a new road for feature animated films. With “Spirit”, DreamWorks boldly tries to tell an animated film about an animal without it actually talking. We don’t need to see an animal talk in every animated movie and in some respects this move makes the movie more memorable. If Spirit would have talked I think that the atmosphere trying to be conveyed would have been destroyed. The atmosphere I am talking about is how the film showcases the allure of the untamed West through music and breathtaking scenery.

The musical score is by acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer who takes a new direction with this score. Zimmer is more famous for doing scores for action films such as “The Peacemaker”, “Gladiator” and even “Hannibal”. Coupled with Zimmer’s score is rockstar turned balladeer Bryan Adams who delivers all of the film’s songs. Adams’ voice compliments the rugged atmosphere displayed on film. If you enjoyed Adams when he did songs for “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, “Three Musketeers” and “Don Juan DeMarco” then you are sure to love these new ballads.

I found myself comparing this film a lot with “Dances with Wolves” than say the “Lion King” and “Black Stallion” because like Kevin Costner in “Dances” Spirit does fall in love with a part of the West that he didn’t think he could. Spirit also sees the West from a lot of different perspectives a lot like Costner. The feeling and struggle that each of these characters endures in seeing the different ways of the West is hard on each of them. In some ways, Spirit will bring that new outlook to our children like “Dances” brought it to us.

This movie also made me think a lot about the animal films we have seen over the course of time. My fondest memories were of the “Benji” films and how that dog captured our hearts. The director and driving force behind those films was Joe Camp and I know that if Joe Camp made an animated movie it would be a lot like “Spirit”.

I talk a lot about the greatness captivated in Spirit but it does have some flaws. The animators do give Spirit a lot of human characteristics and facial expressions that are more human than horse. This doesn’t play well with the idea that this animated character can’t talk. This does make you wonder was that decision made later. If you are going to play that card then do it completely.

“Spirit” is a great family film and may help educate our children about the feeling of the Old West.

(4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.