War Horse: A Review

On Christmas day my mom and I found ourselves alone in our house. My dad, a firefighter, was working a 24-hour shift, and my sister was at a Christmas party with her boyfriend. I was planning on continuing my YouTube marathon of watching “Criminal Minds” with the lights on; when mom mentioned that she had wanted to see “War Horse,” which came to theaters that day. Deciding my criminal profiling skills could be honed later, I consented.“War Horse” tells the story of a young horse named Joey, raised in England by a boy named Albert who is forced to sell him to the army. Joey changes hands many times, as he travels from England to France, through enemy lines and back during the vicious events of World War II.Little did I know when I went to see it, but there was talk of a nomination for Best Picture soon after “War Horse’s” initial premier and I can see why.  The cinematography has that wonderful larger-than-life feel of a war-story while keeping a distinctly human aspect. There’s a breathtaking scene of Joey galloping at break-neck speed through the trenches that can only be described as supremely epic.

There are some notable parts of the cast as well; Jeremy Irvine, who plays Albert shows admirable skill and emotion for a newcomer to the screen. Thomas Hiddleston as captain Nicholls, Benedict Cumberpatch as Maj. Stewart, and David Thewlis as Lyons enjoy some of the more developed supporting roles throughout the ranks of the armies.

“War Horse” is a straightforward movie, because you get exactly what you expect. It’s not necessarily predictable, but the plot moves in an inevitable circle where the viewer can leave feeling confident that all is as it should be. It’s a movie that never quite grows bigger than it’s trailer promises. Although it may be quaintly sentimental, “War Horse” does have a redeeming quality in that the viewer never feels that they are watching Joey being passed from owner to owner, rather it is the story of Joey’s life and all who happen to pass through along the way.