WAR HORSE

RYAN: It’s a very Spielberg holiday season what with two of his films coming out at the same time. Let’s start with the epic masterpiece that is War Horse.

CAROLINE: I haven’t seen either of his new films but would really only see this one if push came to shove.

RYAN: This is my favorite movie of the year, just behind Harry Potter 8.

CAROLINE: Really?

RYAN: Yes. I loved the show on Broadway and I love the movie too. While there was a certain magic to the “puppetry” on stage, I connected much more emotionally to the film. It just brings you in.

CAROLINE: Well without giving away the plot, as we never do, why did you love it s’much?

RYAN: It’s just a beautifully crafted film – gorgeously shot and framed, wonderfully cast and an engaging story to boot.

CAROLINE: Nice. Ok breakdown the cast for me. How’s the horse?

RYAN: [laughs’ Well several horses played Joey and it’s amazing 1) how much emotion an animal can convey and 2) what those horses went through.

CAROLINE: I can only imagine. It’s a horse at war, darling.

RYAN: It’s true and as a rule I hate war movies; the genre in general. But I was so into this. I knew the story from the show on Broadway, but also there’s something that the film brings to it, maybe it’s the score or where it draws your focus, so intensely close… it’s just breathtaking. I cried thrice.

CAROLINE: Stop! You? I’m not really all that into war movies either.

RYAN: The young star, Jeremy Irvine is fantastic. There’s also David Thewlis, Emily Watson, and other recognizable faces sprinkled throughout.

CAROLINE: I imagine anyone would want to work with Spielberg.

RYAN: Def. I really liked the vibe and timing. It’s a bit deliberate in its pacing and in some ways, it’s like a bunch of chapters, or short films, about this horse, strung together. But most of it is tragically beautiful and some of the shots were very cool and reminiscent of, like, Gone with the Wind – silhouettes over orange sunsets… that kind of thing.

CAROLINE: Sounds nice.

RYAN: This is one of the best films of the year. I love going into a movie with high expectations and then leaving, glad they were met. It’s a little bit of a slow burn, but when you’re in the mood for it… check it out in the theater.

— RATING —