Pretty Good

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Based on the legend of American distance rider Frank Hopkins and his horse Hidalgo,this film tries to recount how he raced against Arabia horses back in the 1890's.It stars Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, and Omar Sharif.This movie entitled "Hidalgo" is directed by Joe Johnston.The Ocean Of Fire is a three thousand mile survival race that is held across the Arabian desert and it restricts its participants to the finest horses found in Arabia that are owned by noble families. Then,a wealthy sheik invited an American,Frank Hopkins and his horse to enter the race for the first time.Billed as the greatest rider in the West back in the United States,Hopkins gets into a big challenge against the greatest Arabian horses who are just as determined to prevent a foreigner from winning.With another theme of having the main protagonist being the underdog and being up against the best of the world,we have another yet a clichéd and predictable film at Hidalgo particularly the conclusion when everyone knows who is going to win and how it is going to end.It also tries to relive Western movies when it was released but there is nothing groundbreaking nor refreshing in it except the excitement and entertainment that it can bring to viewers who love this particular types of films.What's even worth noticing is the fact that the story was definitely cheesy that people of today may no longer look for when going to the theaters.Overall,it is one clichéd movie from beginning to end.

Hidalgo is a very entertaining, action-packed film that is well-directed and has a great lead actor fresh off his Lord of the Rings films. It's beautifully shot and the cinematography of the "Old West" and the Arabian Peninsula is gorgeous. The script is thinly-written, but Joe Johnston easily takes care of that in this entertaining flick. I also learned a thing or two about horses and the different types of breeds.Joe Johnston's film is about a cowboy and a horse racer who heads to the Middle East to participate in a 3000-mile long race. However, there is an evil plot in the works that this cowboy may end up being involved in.Viggo Mortensen is an underrated actor and it's a shame he doesn't get many leading or high-profile roles, with the Lord of the Rings trilogy being an exception. He does have the grace and capability of being a leading man as shown here.Overall, this is a fun, very entertaining film. It's a pleasure to look at and the story is involving. This is nothing special, but it's a pure escapist film after the long, grueling Oscar season. I had a fun time watching this and there are many important themes here. I rate this film 9/10.

I loved this film. It was incredibly well done - the cinematography, direction, and writing were so great. And the acting! Viggo Mortensen is so great.They did a great job in making the star horse emote and 'give opinions' as well. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a good animal flick (within reason) if it's done well and not cheesy. This is just a good story.The imagery across the desert are beautiful, although I think someone was a little overzealous (not that I can blame them) with the sun in the background on a horsey shadow. But it was all goodVery few movies these days (I know, I know, this movie is nearly a decade old now but bear with me!) get me to the point at which I'm actively rooting for the protagonist, on the edge of my seat.This film was exceptional, I can highly recommend it!

How strange the infidels give this classic a rating below, oh, 8. A fabulous movie, full of adventure and honor. Thanks, Joe and Vergo. IT would be easy to call this the American against the Muslims. And you may be right. But there is something about this movie that speaks to the American spirit. Something about the old west, too. Every scene is significant. Every scent an adventure. How could you not love it and how could the droids give it a numerical rating like that. There are only movies and anyone who doesn't recognize the great ones should stick with "Saw." The only movie besides "Little Big Man" that salutes the American Indian. The only movie that gives credit to our true heritage.