If I Could Ride

Overall, I enjoyed this film. Most of the acting was good. It took me a minute to figure out who the young woman was with the disabled girl. Then I realized it was her mother. She seemed a little young for the part. But after the first scene, I was good with it. The cinematography was gorgeous and captivating. For an independent film, they had some awesome shooting angles. The colorful fall leaves makes me want to visit the New England area. I loved that the horses were used for therapy. I thought that was awesome! Although somewhat predictable, the film was uplifting and enjoyable. It seemed a little long at one point, but then it picked up.

The cinamatography directing is very bad. The acting of all but two people is at high school level. The story is sweet and the horses are beautiful, but the presentation is worse than mediocre. There are long pauses, long periods of blank staring, conversations that only occasionally have a natural rhythm. The fundamental use of a rich mean girl and an honest girl of lesser means is so so common in too many horse films. There is nothing wrong and in fact the general story is uplifting. But the presentation is so amateurish that one has difficulty watching through to the obvious ending. At times we thought perhaps the story was dubbed as the sound of voices frequently seemed canned. Sorry for the bad review.

When it comes to great heartfelt films, nobody recalls the magic better than animals and people. Both actors start the film with a long draw to a meeting place amidst a sea of people readied for equestrian horse competition. This appears to be the moment where they really shine. Two opposites about to cross paths.

We are left as an audience with little, to no, girl and horse relationship, so don't expect any off that.

Where they are ready to make their career in films is nestled in this vibrant setting. If I Could Ride's biggest star really is not the two of them but the gritty story beautifully shot on a canvas of brilliant yellow and orange fall leaves. It is funny, yes, but mostly a punch in the gut film about trading places and there is so much more.

The story, the acting, the directing and the economical plots in the film add to its greatness. One of the best strengths is that the glue between these two girls is a chiseled, older brother, archetype named Jimmy (Tom Vera).

More of a young Harrison Ford stuck between a bright future and a haunting past than a golden boy to the rescue. This is a true nod to excellent floating camera work in a sea of morning fog with sunlight playing in the pallet of perfect Vermont fall foliage. Performances are excellent. A wonderful and somewhat good family film. If you're that kind of family that is.

I really enjoyed If I Could Ride's message. The plot is very fascinating and compelling and is cleverly written. The characters are all teenagers that are going through struggles, physically and mentally.

The storyline follows a girl with a mobility disability who wishes she could ride horses. Another girl who is an outstanding rider gets hurt and the two girls start a friendship because they are both injured. It asks the question, "Who will step in to cover for the champion rider?"

There is more to this movie than a horse competition - the plot left me on the edge of my seat and the emotions of the girls are very relatable, especially for teenagers. The main characters are Jolie (Alexis Arnold), Bridget (Eva Igo) and Coach Jimmy (Tom Vera). Jodie has a back disability and Bridget is a champion rider, coached by Jimmy. They are all entwined in an intricate storyline that is well-planned and intriguing. The sets and locations stay true to the plot, as the action takes place mostly in the stable or the arena. My favorite part is when Jodie becomes strong enough to ride a horse. The look on her face is heartwarming and it's rewarding to see her develop the strength and courage to ride. Sometimes, the lighting and the sound are a bit off and the camerawork is shaky at times, all of which are unsettling.

The film's message is that friends and family are extremely important. They'll always be there for you throughout hardships and we see that between Bridget and Jolie. It's also about following your passions, especially when they make you happy. It promotes overcoming challenges and reminds us that we are capable of pursuing our dreams.

I give If I Could Ride 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST!