Running Wild

Well, I am probably as bias as they come when commenting on any horse film in general since the majestic animals always capture my love & admiration.

"Running Wild" is a heartwarming family film about second chances & the courage within us all to rise up to the challenges we face in life. It's mostly a feel good film with a healthy dose of heart & soul, and although I feel no show I've seen as yet involving horses can hold a candle to the "Heartland" series, this one definitely has its' moments that pull at the heart strings.

With decent acting, it moves at a leisurely pace, more concerned about allowing the viewer time to absorb the beautiful relationships between horses & humans that can have a positive impact in both our lives, rather than galloping full speed ahead as we miss out on one of the more fundamental things in life ... simple connections with others, whether man or beast.

Now this is a soft drama if you want to call it that. It has all the ingredients a movie like this needs, with heightened drama/problems, bad guys lurking around to make life difficult and other obstacles our main protagonist has to overcome. Of course she also gets a helping hand, by a good looking guy, with a dark past... that's just the way it is.

Talking about a dark past, you may recognize one of the supporting actors as a member of a TV show called "Sons of Anarchy". There is a bit of typecasting you could say, but it works in its favor. It really is nothing special overall and while I'm not spoiling anything about the thin story, it'd be a surprise if you were surprised by where the movie is heading.

This is a movie about second chances. If you're an animal , horse loving person, this is a hearty film about second chances. It's also surprising to see in the end credits that Sharon Stone is also the producer although her role in the film is more of the usual conniving queen bee. It's good to know that she gives way for younger, less established actors to shine.

Predictable and cliché.

Most of these conflicts were nonsensical.

Really enjoyable but will not win any awards.

This is a thoroughly entertaining affair. Sharon Stone's character could be an allegory for Hillary Clinton; clinging on to ill-thought out causes that do more harm than good; perhaps Billionaire's have too much money.

The cast were generally unknown, particularly the horses, and there was no disappointment.The (unknown to me) leads were splendid. As was Sharon Stone whose character was preposterous - though credible through the prism of recent events.

I wanted it to last 20 minutes longer. The smallness of the film added to the experience. It wasn't Saving Private Ryan or Forrest Gump.

If you desire high-art then probably look elsewhere; if you desire feel-good ephemera then this is pretty good fodder.

I loved it.