Hidalgo [Blu-ray]
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Louise Lombard, J.K. Simmons, Victor Talmadge, Zuleikha RobinsonDirector: Joe Johnston
Studio: Touchstone Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: Color, Widescreen
Running Time: 136 minutes
DVD Release: April 1st 2008
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DVD Review
A sandstorm of epic proportions. A swarm of locusts so massive it obliterates the relentless sun. Deadly traps that defy imagination. These are just a few of the astonishing obstacles Frank T. Hopkins, the greatest long-distance racer ever, faces in the rousing action-adventure Hidalgo. Based on a true story and starring Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of The Rings trilogy), Hopkins (Mortensen) and his mustang Hidalgo enter the ultimate extreme sport of its time -- the Ocean Of Fire. Underdogs challenging the finest Arabian horses and riders, they must not only survive the grueling race across 3,000 miles of the Arabian Desert's punishing terrain, but they must thwart the evil plots of competitors who vow victory at all costs! A great story of personal triumph, amazing special effects, and memorable characters make Hidalgo one of the most thrilling adventures ever.
User Reviews
So-so action adventure - Rating: 3/5
Not much about this inspired me. It's slow to get off the ground with background about an Indian massacre, then a Wild West Show, before we get to the point of the film: a horserace in the Middle East somewhere. Granted, you don't see many movies set in Iraq in the late 1800s. But the picture seems strangely inert, the sword fights obviously not real, and the 'romance' with a veiled princess less than hot. The sand traps are cool, though.
Great tale (tail) of a man and his horse - Rating: 5/5
So the story may have been pure fantasy and an improbable one at that - so what. I really enjoyed Viggo Mortensen as the "cowboy" Frank T. Hopkins in a tale about as believable as George W. Bush having a 100% approval rating. Hopkins and Hidalgo coming through the race after all the hardships, ambushes and psychological hurdles was predictable, yet satisfying.
Omar Sharif was barely recognizable to me, but still played his part as Sheikh Riyadh in extreme stereotypical fashion. I always enjoy watching Said Taghmaoui (Three Kings, Traitor, LOST) who played Prince Bin al Reeh riding the biggest competitor to Hidalgo. I was surprised to see Louise Lombard as I've only recognized her as Sofia Curtis on CSI (and the upcoming series NCIS:Legend). She did a tremendous job as the scheming "win-at-all-costs" Lady Davenport. Zuleikha Robinson as Jazira, Daughter of the Sheikh, played a very predictable and stereotypical part, but was very good, nonetheless.
The interaction between Frank Hopkins and Hidalgo was a little sappy, but still lent itself to the premise of the film. Great cinematography with the breathtaking scenery of the "desert race." A really cool movie.
Hidalgo - Rating: 5/5
Great movie .......... the movie as I remember it (other than this purchase)as rented was translated better such that Arabic was dubbed with english. Unfortunately not having the translation made the movie difficult to follow - unlike the rentable version. That was the only disappointment - not exactly what I paid for - wasn't as described so I'll be returning it and perhaps get what I wanted in the first place. I might have asked better questions before the purchase.
Hidalgo - Rating: 5/5
Superb film - a little long for some people (although I liked it long!), but script is great, acting is great, the horse is awesome. As for the supplier, the DVD was shipped very quickly, and arrived in perfect, brand new condition, as promised. I can't say anything better than that!
American West Meets Middle East - Rating: 4/5
A Middle Eastern Shiek (Sharif) is insulted when an American, Frank Hopkins (Mortensen) and Hidalgo (his horse), are hailed as the greatest cross-country racing team in the world. The Sheik demands that the title be dropped or that Hopkins accept his invitation to participate in the most grueling cross-country race in the world, the 3,000 mile long "Ocean of Fire" to defend his assertion.
You can read more about this dvd at the product description page above, but here are some things that may be of interest if you are considering this product:
1) There is a small amount of mild language
2) There is a scene where US Army troops shoot mostly unarmed Native Americans
3) You'll love how Mortensen can take personal insults, but no one can insult his horse!
4) Mortensen comes to grips with his mixed ancestry - a white father and Native American mother
5) The cinematography is good, but the scenes with the hunting cats leave a little to be desired
6) Character development is good - you'll enjoy the shiek and his daughter
7) There is a little innuendo between a woman that owns one of the favored horses in the race and Mortensen
8) There is plenty of action, and a fair amount of drama, as well as some comic relief - not quite as good a mix as in Secondhand Lions (New Line Platinum Series), but certainly enough to float the show for most audiences
9) This show will be loved by John Wayne fans...it's the kind of show you'd expect to see him in.
All in all, this is a very good show. It's certainly a worthy addition to just about any dvd collection. It works for viewers from my 10-yr old daughter to my 80-yr old father, and just about everyone in between.
A solid 4 stars...you'll be glad if you pick up a copy of this film.
