Hidalgo

[Glordreen]

I was saddened to see this movie pushed back to March of 2004, but it makes sense so that Viggo can get his acting nom for ROTK and not have both preformances competing. Anyhow this movie looks extraordinary! What are your thoughts and do you think it has a chance at any awards?

[downflow311]

no chance at any awards, but none have seen it yet so its hard to say. but i'll be there to see it on opening day, because viggo kicks ass.

[southern]

movie looks like it's going to be extremely good:)

[dr_evil]

does anyone know when it was originally going to be released???

[Glordreen]

I think it was July, but then it was moved back to March

[dr_evil]

Originally posted by Glordreen
I think it was July, but then it was moved back to March

ok then i dont think that the movie is that good then:(
(the first 2-3 months of the year the studios usually bring out the bad movies)

[southern]

have you seen the trailer?!
don't knock it yet:p

[dr_evil]

Originally posted by southern
have you seen the trailer?!
don't knock it yet:p

yes i seen the trailer once (a long time ago and wasnt impressed)
i just find it weird that a studio will move a big movie like that from july (the summer when most people go to movies ) to march (when most of the bad movies are released)

[MovieWes]

No! It wasn't originally a July release. It was a Thanksgiving release. Disney did the same thing to "The Alamo," and I don't hear anyone saying that they think that movie's going to suck.

[FilmJerk]

movie looks like a kickass movie http://www.battle.net/war3/images/nightelf/units/animations/demonhunter.gif

[downflow311]

Originally posted by MovieWes
No! It wasn't originally a July release. It was a Thanksgiving release. Disney did the same thing to "The Alamo," and I don't hear anyone saying that they think that movie's going to suck.

i did. check out the test screening reviews. they were god awful. they are at AICN.

[Phil Parma]

Originally posted by MovieWes
Disney did the same thing to "The Alamo," and I don't hear anyone saying that they think that movie's going to suck.

I think it's going to suck. They might as well call it The Alamo: Pearl Harbor II: Back in Time.

[Rabbit]

I saw the preview for this awhile ago. Looks really good.

[Omega Supreme]

This looks quite good. Something slightly different, but still familiar. Plus Viggo just plain rocks!

[Kinjo]

The Alamo looks like crap......Hidalgo should be good IMO

[Scythe]

Viggo looks funny without the long hair and the way he talks in the trailers were funny....this movie will either be a huge surprise or suck...hopfully its a nice surprise.

[Queen Tree]

Viggo Mortensen is probably the coolest person in the world.... I suggest you check out some of his art because there is so much more to him that aragorn (even though Aragorn is amazing)

[necronon99]

i liked his small role in Carlitos way

[naja]

just thought I'd give this a bump, as Hidalgo will finally get released (although I'll have to wait until april to see it here in Europe :waa: )

[Garnet Spring]

I think I might see this. Maybe I'll actually listen to others opinoins on it first, though. This or Ladykillers. Maybe I'll start a poll...

[rosncranz]

i am pretty excited about this eventhough i havent heard many positive things about it.

[anaria22]

I think it'll be great. He's perfect for the part. Cowboys are stereotypically taciturn and stolid. He does the quiet brooding very well. I think he'll be good, and the movie as well, but it's wierd seeing him out of the LOTR movies. (the hair, the sword, Arwen!)

[Mat]

Heh, it's got Omar Sharif... I'll be there.

[naja]

Originally posted by rosncranz
i am pretty excited about this eventhough i havent heard many positive things about it.
Viggo, check
horses, check
Viggo, check
more than enough positive things for me ;) !

(oh, and Omar Sharif of course, check)

[southern]

i still can't wait for this!

[Colorado Cajun]

I read the book wich is great, so I have no doubt that the movie will be awesome

[rosncranz]

Originally posted by naja
Viggo, check
horses, check
Viggo, check
more than enough positive things for me ;) !

(oh, and Omar Sharif of course, check)

good point:)

[Garnet Spring]

So it's agreed, Viggo rocks.

[Fanible]

Horsy... horsy horsy horsy.

[rosncranz]

Originally posted by Fanible
Horsy... horsy horsy horsy.

does anyone else find this kinda creepy?;)

[anaria22]

Hmm...I wonder if we'll ever see Viggo shirtless. (he might be too old. But modern remedies are quite good and could make him look great)

[naja]

you can see Viggo shirtless in "Perfect Murder", "a Walk on the Moon" "GI Jane", "Prison" "Ruby Cairo" and everythingless in "the Indian Runner" and "the Reflecting skin" and I doubt he would have a problem with it ("if the role demanded it" as they say ;) )
I wouldn't have a problem with it either!

[Garnet Spring]

So he's been shirtless in about everything he was in. So the LOTR trilogy was the exception.

Damn you, Peter Jackson!

[naja]

yep, my fave fantasy LotR scene is actually where he gets out of those dirty Ranger clothes and has a nice, long bath before getting into that kingly stuff...damn Peter Jackson for not filming that..

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by naja
yep, my fave fantasy LotR scene is actually where he gets out of those dirty Ranger clothes and has a nice, long bath before getting into that kingly stuff... I don't know how to respond to that. Except for maybe...:applaud:

[droidguy1119]

Looks pretty meh to me. Could be fun, and I haven't read the book, but from the trailers it falls into so many movie stereotypical stories and ideas that I'll just wait for it on DVD.

[ScottGreenstein]

Why is it that so many true stories have stereotypical elements to them? I just saw a spot on this on TV and it looks pretty good. I dare say that Viggo has a kind of Harrison Ford like sense of humor to him. He makes me want to see this flick. (Viggo, not Harrison)

[Lance]

I liked the preview, looked good. AICN was none too pleased...so we will see.

naja: While he's doing that bath scene, could we toss in Liv Tyler for us guys??? :D

[ScottGreenstein]

I read a good review on AICN. Did Harry see it?

[phil564]

I am going to watch Hidalgo tonight, I'll tell you how it is tommorow.

[Sora Kahn]

This looks like it's going to be good. I'm definitely going to see this film once it's released.

[Instinct]

A friend of mine saw a screening of it and didn't like it at all. I've also read two reviews that were bashing the **** out of it.. so the excitement I once had has now dropped. I'll still see it, but maybe wait for more reviews..

:(

[rosncranz]

i am really looking forward to this! however i have read only negative reviews, but none of them really stated why they didnt like it, so i am still holding out hope. i think this looks really really good!

[FilmJerk]

movie should be excellent. STill dont know how they say its based on true events

[naja]

I agree Disney/Touchstone is handling the "true story" flap badly (but could it be they have other things on their mind at the moment, such as their company's survival?? )
My rule is always: If I think I want to see a movie s***w the critics, I'll go and see for myself. Do not let someone who you don't know and might not share your taste in movies/leading men ruin this for you...go see it and decide for yourself!
I personally do not think this movie will change the world, but I've seen plenty worse movies (oh, yes! ask me if you really want to know) just to see Viggo in them and I've never seen him give a bad performance and I'm sure this movie will not change that.

[atropfunk]

Critics opinions are only valid if you really know the critics' taste in movies - and even then why is their opinion worth more then your friend's or your boss's or your mom's?

Anyway - I think this looks like a fun action movie - has all the ingredients to be exciting.
Sounds kind of like Indiana Jones in a cross- desert horse race , which is a good enough premise for me to check it out. Better then crap action movies like Torque and Tomb Raider 2.

[phil564]

I saw Hidalgo last night. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything great or new either. I was entertained, so I guess the movie served it's purpose, entertainment. I would give it 2 out 4 stars.

[Chodan]

Saw the movie last Tuesday. It was great. Viggo was excellent and the one liners were interesting. There is enough to keep any one interested. The action and the underlying moral work well together. The twist at the end got most people.

Movie starts March 5, 2004.
And yes, the shirt does come off.

[naja]

Originally posted by Chodan

And yes, the shirt does come off.

Thank you Chodan, I'm really trying to stay spoilerfree, if I can, but that is GOOD news :applaud: (so I'm shallow, sue me! )
p.s. I'm afraid us Europeans have to wait until april 8th :(

[Kashmir]

Originally posted by naja
you can see Viggo shirtless in "Perfect Murder", "a Walk on the Moon" "GI Jane", "Prison" "Ruby Cairo" and everythingless in "the Indian Runner" and "the Reflecting skin" and I doubt he would have a problem with it ("if the role demanded it" as they say ;) )
I wouldn't have a problem with it either!

Don't forget Psycho. Shirtless and the buns too! ;)

[Kashmir]

Originally posted by ScottGreenstein
Why is it that so many true stories have stereotypical elements to them? I just saw a spot on this on TV and it looks pretty good. I dare say that Viggo has a kind of Harrison Ford like sense of humor to him. He makes me want to see this flick. (Viggo, not Harrison)

I agree about the Harrison Ford comment. I have heard this from more than one critic. He has the chance to do the kind of roles Ford was doing 10 or 20 years ago now, if he so chooses.

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by Chodan

And yes, the shirt does come off. :eek:

[Cristix]

Phil!
I need more details please!
I understand that is not a great movie, but it is pretty good, right?
I mean, it is supposed to be an entertaining movie. Does it succed?
Do you think people will enjoy it and will go to see it, just to have fun?
And about Viggo. Do you think this movie will help his carrer or not? Does this movie help him make an image of sexy, handsome man, or of good actor or both?
Will this movie help him to receive leading/costarring roles, now that LOTR is over?
Or will he disappear again from the A list of actors?
What do you think?
What about the boxoffice? Do you think Hidalgo will do well?
Too many questions, sorry!

[ScottGreenstein]

I don't know about most of your questions Cristix, but my buddy saw the film a few nights ago at a screening and thought it was great. He thought that it was one of the most gorgeous looking films he had ever seen and highly highly entertaining. He said that it was funny, exciting, and unexpectedly moving. He said Viggo was great. He's in just about every scene.

[Andre4000]

I saw the movie last week and thought it was amazing. I'm a fairly big LOTR fan and in ROTK I felt like I didn't get enough Aragorn. This film was like a big gift to LOTR fans--a whole movie of Aragorn!

I agree with everything your friend said Scott.

I just saw a couple more different trailers for Hidalgo on the TV and even though I don't like them as much as the Superbowl ad, I still think they are amazing.

[naja]

Originally posted by ScottGreenstein
He said Viggo was great. He's in just about every scene. :heart: :p good!
seriously though: If "Hollywood" wises up and offers interesting parts and scripts I think Viggo will take them, I don't think he's interested in becoming the next Harrison Ford, he's doing allright being the first Viggo Mortensen.

[simmy]

lol. good comment!

[Cristix]

Great! I can't wait to see the movie. I hope it hits big, because I am in a great need for more Viggo.
Ups, I don't behave like a 24 years old.

[Alien]

I think this movie looks really boring. Maybe the trailer just doesn't do anything for it.

[rosncranz]

man i cannot frigging wait for this movie, i am not really looking forward to anyother movies coming out for awhile. well this and eternal sunshine.

[Undome-Elenamin]

if the movie isn't good at least it will hold me over until Ned Kelly and Van Helsing. But I love Viggo so it'll probably be good to me.

[RingWraith2k4]

I'm soooo there!!! (movie theater I mean)

[atropfunk]

as if LOTR wasn't a great set of movies in themselves, I'm really glad that they gave Viggo so much exposure. He's a great actor- and hopefully he'll start getting his choice of pics in Hollywood.

I think Hidalgo looks like a great choice - should be exciting and fun, yet not some idiotic shoot 'em up movie.

I get a good IndianaJones/Mummy vibe from it - although the horse race side of it is definitely a lil different- and will probably look great on film.

[artmoviefilm]

by the looks of the trailer, the movie seems fun and exhilarating which i think it will turn out to be. i have a feeling that it will be the surprise hit of 2004. i also think that the trailer doesn't show all (as is the case for many movies whether good or bad), and it might really be something to marvel at on differnet levels. So i will keep the oscars noms in mind, probably not best flick, but something else.

People WILL talk about this movie.

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by artmoviefilm
by the looks of the trailer, the movie seems fun and exhilarating which i think it will turn out to be. i have a feeling that it will be the surprise hit of 2004. i also think that the trailer doesn't show all (as is the case for many movies whether good or bad), and it might really be something to marvel at on differnet levels. So i will keep the oscars noms in mind, probably not best flick, but something else.

People WILL talk about this movie. I don't think it will do anything on the award curcuit, but I definitely think it has the potential to make $100m or more at the BO.

[artmoviefilm]

Originally posted by Garnet Spring
I don't think it will do anything on the award curcuit, but I definitely think it has the potential to make $100m or more at the BO.

well, thats the impression that you would get (like when i first saw the trailer), but hey, look at Pirates of the Carribean. it's not exactly an "oscar" film but it was nominated for 5 of them including best actor. I also think Hidalgo has the potential to get over $250m, and that at the least. I kind of see it as the PotC of 2004

[Cristix]

I hope so, but I don't think it will be a second POTC. Nor that it will get to 250 million.
POTC was so succesfull especially because of Johnny's character who was so hilarious!
I don't think that Viggo's character is like that. But I've heard that the horse is kinda hilarious, because he seems gelous at some point of the relationship between Viggo's character and one women, and has quite a funny expresion.

[Garnet Spring]

Originally posted by artmoviefilm
well, thats the impression that you would get (like when i first saw the trailer), but hey, look at Pirates of the Carribean. it's not exactly an "oscar" film but it was nominated for 5 of them including best actor. I also think Hidalgo has the potential to get over $250m, and that at the least. I kind of see it as the PotC of 2004 I wasn't saying it's impossible for it to get award attention. You're right, you never know what is going to happen.
I think the $250 thing is a bit overzealous though. It would be nice if that happened, but it is highly unlikely for a March movie to make that much money.

[ScottGreenstein]

Hmmm...I wonder if the academy will remember this movie come Oscar time? It's not unheard of. Erin Brockovich was a spring release.

[Andre4000]

Good point. I just saw a really good new trailer on the TV. Where can one go online to find the TV trailers?

[RonStopablefan3]

I saw the preview , and I gotta say it looks awsome. I'm going to see it , later.

[Penny Lane]

i think it looks pretty good except for that one girl who is preaching about how he should believe in himself...that gets old after a while. and viggo's voice sounds really strange when he's like "i didn't get you into this you got me into it!"

[ScottGreenstein]

In the clip of Return of the King last night at the Oscars I started to get excited about this movie again.

[popcopy]

Ditto. I'm happy to see that some people who have already had a viewing are happy w/ what they've gotten.

I'm excited to see Viggo in a different role. While he was great as Aragorn, and i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOTR, it'll be nice to see a new side of him.

I think Hidalgo has sleeper potential...its biggest competition opening weekend appears to be Starsky and Hutch, which i don't think would attract the same audience.

[diasyjazz]

I was able to see this last night last minute at a free screening...and though I had to drag myself to the theater cause I was so tired, I am so happy that I went because it really was a very enjoyable movie. The scenery was gorgeous (as was looking at Viggo) and I really enjoyed all the beautiful Arabian tents--it was amazing to me and my friend how they can transport such elaborate living. I was also highly impressed by the freeing of the mustangs at the end of the movie..which would move just about any one impressed with horses All in all..I definately am happy I dragged my lazy butt to the theater and will probably go and see it again as well!

[Garnet Spring]

So you would reccomend it?(obviously!) Okay, on a scale of 1 to 10 what would you give it? And does Viggo really take off his shirt in it?! Ahhh!

[stonefaced_1]

The reviews for Hidalgo have been pretty luke warm, I definately will stay away from this one. That and the fact that it looks boring as hell.

[Garnet Spring]

Wow! You actually listen to critics at all? Well, to each his own, but I can't afford to to that. Had I done so, I would have missed out on great and exciting movies like Rush Hour 2, Blade 2 and The Mummy Returns. All of which I enjoyed greatly. I have learned to count own my opinoin when it comes to movies, seeing as how, whether you like a film or not is all a matter of opinoin. But you also said you think it looks boring, so whatever.

[stonefaced_1]

I only have respect for a few critics and they are Ebert and Roeper, and James Beralldini ( a very bad butchering) their opinions are generally close to my own, so I trust them. As far as Hidalgo goes, the premise of the movie doesn't impress me.

[MickeyMoose15]

Released March 5th, 2004

Director: Joe Johnston

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, Zuleikha Robinson, Louise Lombard, Said Taghmaoui, Adam Alexi-Malle, Peter Mensah, Malcolm McDowell

Premise: Based on the true story of the greatest long-distance horse race ever run, "Hidalgo" is an epic action-adventure and one man's journey of personal redemption. Held yearly for centuries, the Ocean of Fire - a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian Desert - was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. In 1890, a wealthy Sheik invited an American and his horse to enter the race for the first time. Frank T. Hopkins (Mortensen) was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the US cavalry who had once been billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known. The Sheik (Sharif) would put his claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world's greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders - some of whom were determined to prevent the foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but a race for his very survival as he and his horse, Hidalgo, attempt the impossible.

What does a motion picture essentially need to be successful? Is it eye-popping special effects? A sovereign leading man? A rousing and inspirational story that attracts people from a variety of demographics? Well, yes, but now adays there seems to be an even more vital ingredient … controversy. The predominant pictures seem to be quite ripe with it including the one leading the charge, The Passion of the Christ. Now a new feature film enters the fray, on an obviously different level but arousing controversy none the less. Not too long after Walt Disney Pictures announced the start of production for their $90 million epic horse feature, Hidalgo, based on the memoirs of Frank Hopkins, a newspaper printed an article that seemed to dispute the outstanding claims of Mr. Hopkins ....

Click Here to Read the Full Review! (http://www.hostultra.com/~TheMooseHole/Hidalgo.htm)

[southern]

i want my $6.50 back
it was ok for a movie
Viggo was ok, Sharif and the girl who played his daughter were great though

[Optimus Magnus]

I really hope this film does well for Mortensen, if he can't break away from Lord of the Rings, I fear he'll be in trouble for a long time

[Garnet Spring]

I don't think it will do very well. The advertising this week has been really scarce.

[southern]

Originally posted by Optimus Magnus
I really hope this film does well for Mortensen, if he can't break away from Lord of the Rings, I fear he'll be in trouble for a long time this movie won't help him there
but if others are like me and have seen him pre-LOTR then there shouldn't be a problem (i.e. he was great in Perfect Murder)

[Colorado Cajun]

Mel and I watched it last night and we both thought it was quite good. Viggo gave a really convincing performance and te rest of the cast filled their roles quite well. It was well worth the watch and had some really beautiful imagery and a compelling story.

Go watch it and have fun

[southern]

the theatre here never got the film to focus properly:evil:

[Kashmir]

Originally posted by Colorado Cajun
Mel and I watched it last night and we both thought it was quite good. Viggo gave a really convincing performance and te rest of the cast filled their roles quite well. It was well worth the watch and had some really beautiful imagery and a compelling story.

Go watch it and have fun

I agree. It is a good movie, very entertaining. My sister and I both enjoyed it. Viggo and T.J. both did a great job. :applaud:

[anaria22]

Who cares if it's good or not? I'm going to see it to support Viggo! ;)

[Glordreen]

Its pretty good. Not as good as I thought it would be.

[Lance]

I saw this movie Friday and it was actually pretty decent. I think Viggo was okay in this movie too. It was about an 8.5; good, not great, definitely entertaining.

Some good things:

1. Cinematography was pretty darn good.

2. Horses. How they got them to perform some of the things/stunts they did...amazing! This movie will really appeal to horse lovers, BTW! (If you are a horse lover, bump the numbers by about .5.)

3. Omar Sharif. He always has a presence; as the Arab Sheik, he was pretty darn good.

On the downside, the "end" was reasonably predictable. There were a few weird things too...a lot of "Dances with Wolves" type of mumbo-jumbo. There is also all the controversy over calling this movie "based on a true story". What seems to be coming out is that there is some factually challenged folks backing this movie.

Overall, the movie was pretty entertaining and a nice Friday evenings escapism after a totally cr*ppy work week. So...mission accomplished!

[scifi guy]

I just got back from the theater.

This movie was better than I thought it was gonna be. Viggo played his role well and the movie had a lot of good cinematography. It kept me entertained for 2 hrs.

7.5/10

[Mat]

My official review...

The hero of Hidalgo has no quarks. He's a straight shooting, likable guy, and that's rare in Hollywood today. It's also rare to have an adventure film that doesn't have to constantly wink at the audience. This is that kind of movie. Joe Johnston has made some terrifically entertaining movies (Jumanji, Jurassic Park III, ect), and this sits atop as his most entertaining venture yet. Sure it's all something you'd see out of old school Hollywood epics. Arabian stereotyped warriors, cowboys, horses, sandstorms, locusts, grand vistas, princesses, princes, and Omar al-Shariff (this isn't Lawrence of Arabia though). Johnston combines them all into one thoroughly enjoyable picture.

Viggo Mortenson, fresh off of Lord of the Rings, plays Frank Hopkins and brings an instant likability to the role. Viggo seems more laid back and enjoying himself a lot more in this role than Aragorn, and who could blame him. In those pictures, he has a 300 million dollar franchise to hold up. Here he plays an easy going cowboy whose best friend is a horse. That's a big difference. It's also good to see the horse not having more personality than the cowboy, which can be the case when the horse is the title character.

Overall, Hidalgo is a very entertaining picture, and worth the price of a lazy Sunday afternoon matinee.

B

[southern]

i'm a horse lover so they could've left out the part were Hidalgo gets a spear to the top of the leg and then having it cut out

[Mat]

Yeah, but that final scene was beautiful...

[stonefaced_1]

So what? That's what I thought about the movie. I didn't care about the horse, and all of the characters are cliches. I thought it was pretty corny and some of it was overdone. It had some amazing scenes, but that isn't enough to carry a movie that was 2 hours and 10 minutes long.

[Mat]

The only part I hated was the mystical Indians magic crap in the middle of desert... Deus ex machina, anybody?

[caribbeanqueen]

uhh... question... does anyone know when it's being released in Australia? i've seen the short previews, which are all of 10 seconds long, but there hasn't been a date mentioned - all it says is 'coming soon'. Blah - i hate that!

I really pity u guys if Ned Kelly hasn't come out yet, but how many people know the whole story, or just want to see this movie because of heath and orlando?

[southern]

Originally posted by caribbeanqueen
just want to see this movie because of heath and orlando? *raises hand* for the most part yes on this movie

as for release date, maybe March 18th

[tiff_t_t]

Originally posted by Mat
The only part I hated was the mystical Indians magic crap in the middle of desert... Deus ex machina, anybody?

That was a part that I really LOVED. And Viggo's singing? Magical.

I really enjoyed the movie overall. I was stoned, though, so it was probably more beautiful and intense to me that for the average viewer... but wow, the cinematography! I could have done without the sheik's daughter subplot, however-- way too Disney and cheesy for me!! But overall MUCH MUCH better than I thought it would be!

8.5 / 10 -- :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

[Dreamchaser]

I saw this tonight...and I liked it a lot!!!!!! Got some dragging in the middle..but picked up again.
I will buy it when it comes out. :applaud:
Not an Oscar type movie...just one that entertains you, but not as good as those old Indiania Jones type movies...but might be up there with the Mummy Movies...just classier.

[Kashmir]

Originally posted by Dreamchaser
I saw this tonight...and I liked it a lot!!!!!! Got some dragging in the middle..but picked up again.
I will buy it when it comes out. :applaud:
Not an Oscar type movie...just one that entertains you, but not as good as those old Indiania Jones type movies...but might be up there with the Mummy Movies...just classier.

I agree. It dragged a little for me in the middle too. But, I really enjoyed it, and thought it was a very classy movie also. I liked the way the Native American culture was shown.

[carnage4u]

I saw this movie over the weekend as well and I was greatly pleased by it. Good acting preformances all around and a good story to boot.

I would recommend this movie to almost anyone.

[pixiness]

I liked the movie a lot too - yes, there were parts where it felt a little long but it wasn't anything that detracted from the overall enjoyment.

I thought Viggo did a great job conveying the bond between the man and his horse which was really more of what I felt the story was about. In short - if you liked Rudy - you'll probably like this movie. Because Hidalgo is who Rudy would be if Rudy were a horse.

[Elvira]

Saw the film earlier in the week, and it was great. Viggo's acting was great, along with the scenery, fighting, and racing. Definitely worth seeing.

[Darkness]

I enjoyed this movie a lot. I thought I might get bored with it, and while some parts did drag a little, it had good action and really was worth going to see. Viggo is a great cowboy and extremely believable. I actually hope he plays something like that again. He's one of those people the dirtier he gets, the better he looks. I liked that the romance in the movie was very subtle too, not distracting from the plot at all. All in all, while it wasn't perfect by a long shot, it was still enjoyable to watch and worth seeing if you like a good adventure movie.

[carlosdev]

Viggo Mortensen tackles his first post-“Lord of the Rings” role and his first Hollywood leading role (not counting LOTR as that was more of an ensemble piece) in this rousing adventure yarn that brings to mind those Saturday Afternoon matinees of yesteryear.

Mortensen is Frank T. Hopkins, son of a cavalry scout and a Native American who has achieved reknown as a distance rider, having never lost a distance horse race. He also rides dispatches for the Army from time to time, and carries orders to a garrison stationed at Wounded Knee Creek that has been watching a tribe of Sioux whom it is expected may rebel. The army, fresh from a stinging defeat at Little Big Horn, is not in the best of moods when it comes to relations with the Native population and as Hopkins rides away, his orders delivered, the shooting begins. Hopkins returns at the sound of the gunfire to see a terrible massacre. Torn between the worlds of his white father and his Native mother, he sinks into a depression of alcohol and self-pity, riding in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show to pay the bills, allowing Cody to bill him as the greatest long distance racer in the world.

The show is witnessed by Sheikh Riyadh (Omar Sharif) who takes exception to the billing and challenges Hopkins to prove the claim in a horserace that has previously been open to Arabs and their magnificent purebred horses only; the Ocean of Fire, a torturous 3,000 mile journey through the worst deserts in the Middle East. Reluctant at first to go, Hopkins is urged on by Annie Oakley (a nearly unrecognizable Elizabeth Berridge) and finally takes the plunge, taking with him his beloved Spanish mustang Hidalgo.

En route to the Arabic port of Aden, he meets Major and Lady Davenport (an uncredited Malcolm McDowell and Louise Lombard) who scoff at the obviously inferior mixed lineage of Hidalgo, and urge him to turn back while he still can. Riyadh, who has a fascination for the American West, also urges him to turn back. His feisty daughter Jazira (Zuleikha Robinson) is far more fascinated with Hopkins and secretly aids him. However, nothing Hopkins has ever done before can prepare him for the iron forge that is the Ocean of Fire, and before the race is done, he will be tested in his will, his courage and his ability as a horseman.

There is a subplot about horse breeding rights and a kidnapped princess which almost seem like they were from other movies on paper, but in a strange sense they work in “Hidalgo.” It all makes for a ripping yarn, with hissable villains, taciturn heroes, comic relief, all set in a gorgeous landscape, beautifully photographed by Shelly Johnson. The sandstorm scene is terrifying in a big theatre setting; the desolation is palpable. It’s a beautiful film just to look at.

Mortensen acquits himself quite well. Although he can be rather wooden at times, he has a great deal of charisma in the same sense that Gary Cooper once did, and Mortensen reminds me very much of that actor. He carries himself with the same sense of integrity that Cooper once did; although some are comparing Mortensen with Harrison Ford, I think that the mercurial Mortensen, who was nicknamed “No-Ego Viggo” by his co-workers on the “Lord of the Rings” project, will probably follow a similar career path that Cooper did in the kind of roles he takes. He has that kind of presence.

The supporting cast is impressive, led by the venerable Sharif himself, who may be long in the tooth, but commands attention whenever he is onscreen. Other notables include Floyd Red Crow Westerman as a tribal chief pimping himself at the Wild West Show in hopes of enabling the survival of his people, and J.K. Simmons (Jonah Jameson in the “Spider-Man” movies) captures the spirit of Buffalo Bill Cody quite nicely.

It is the horse Hidalgo himself who comes close to stealing the movie. The connection between Hopkins and his horse is genuine; actor Mortensen would purchase the horse he rides here when the movie is done shooting, so tight a bond was formed between them. It shows on the screen.

Director Joe Johnson (“Jurassic Park III”) has a steady hand at the helm, but the movie could probably have benefited from having at least a good 15 minutes lopped off of it. It drags in places and the pacing could have used a bit more punch. Still, he manages to evoke a Saturday matinee adventure vibe which is all-too-rare these days, when most adventure films rely so heavily on CGI and digital effects. It’s nice that a good, exciting tale can still find it’s way to the greenlight aisle in the Hollywood supermarket.

Much has been made in the media about the veracity of the “true story” that this purports to be. Frank Hopkins was indeed a real individual whose autobiography was certainly self-serving, and can be charitably described as prone to stretching the truth a bit, which is definitely at odds to the soft-spoken straight-shooting cowboy he is portrayed here. There is no physical evidence that a race of this nature ever existed, and certainly not in the way it is depicted here.

So what? I don’t think that anyone seriously believes that this movie is a history lesson, inasmuch as the Ocean of Fire race goes. This is an entertaining movie that stands on it’s own merits, and there as a wise film critic once said, don’t let the facts get in the way of a good movie.

[Kashmir]

Originally posted by Darkness
Viggo is a great cowboy and extremely believable. I actually hope he plays something like that again. He's one of those people the dirtier he gets, the better he looks.

I agree. Woo-Hoo!! ;) :D ;) :D

[anaria22]

Except for his ultra greasy hair. Some facial stubble, smeared with dirt, sweating a bit, that's okay, but the hair could go.

[rayzor09]

Hey I'm trying to make an appearance in every thread EVER so... just thought I'd say hey.

[Darkness]

Didn't really think his hair was greasy in this one, just really dusty. He is also one of those rare male actors who can tear up on command. A rare talent indeed.