Family movies tend to have very similar formulas throughout each generation.  Most audiences look for love, loyalty, action, adventure and of course, drama.  Many are animated, although several are not.  Some heroes may have super powers while others may be just down to earth people who do extraordinary things.  One of my favorite movies to watch with my grandsons is Spirit.

            Spirit is a wild stallion who grows up to be leader of his herd.  He is captured by Army soldiers when he lures them away from his herd.  In spite of torture and humiliation, he does not give up, nor does he miss the opportunity to escape.  He is befriended by a young Indian brave and they escape together.  They develop a respectful friendship and Spirit falls in love with the brave’s mare.  Spirit is once again captured by the Army and forced to help with the installation of the railroad.  The cruelty to the animals is appalling, the horses are beaten and work until they drop.  Spirit fools them and again escapes.  He and his Indian friend escape the Army and he and the brave’s mare are reunited and again run free with his band of wild mustangs.

            My grandsons are totally mesmerized by all of the action on the screen.  The herd of mustangs thunder across the screen and the whinnies reverberate off of the living room walls.  In spite of the odds against him, Spirit is determined to remain free.  He represents good in the face of the evil of the Army who would attempt to destroy him and his herd.  He performs many acts of heroism in his adventures and in some aspects his behavior is most decidedly, “human-like”.  Spirit has no fear and learns to use his wits to defeat those who would do him and his family harm.  He shows great responsibility in his leadership and sacrifices in order to protect his family.

            I feel these messages are clear even to my grandsons. Be responsible and take care of your family and do not give up your fight for freedom.  Learn to be smarter than your enemy and don’t be afraid to love and be loved.  Not all men are evil.