Confession: I like to go to movies alone. Actually, I prefer going to the movies alone. I never have to look cute, I can sneak snacks in my bag, I don’t have to make small talk in the dark before the movie, I can cry as much as I want to, and there’s no one to climb over if I have to go to the bathroom. It’s a perfect situation.

Since I go to the movies solo pretty frequently, I thought I’d try something new and do reviews of the latest releases I’ve seen. Not sure how it will work out, but I figure I better make use of that $11.50 ticket and tell others whether I liked it or not!

Last night, I went to see War Horse, Steven Spielberg’s new war drama. It’s based on a novel, which was later adapted into a play that I saw when I was in London in May. I loved the live performance and was so stoked to hear a movie was coming out. I’d shriek “OH MY GOD I want to see that!!” at the TV every time a commercial for it came on. It was annoying.

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Set in England during World War I, War Horse tells the story of Albert Narracott and his thoroughbred horse Joey, who his disabled, alcoholic father bought on a whim instead of a plough horse. Joey quickly becomes Albert’s best friend and ally in his life of poverty and humiliation, and as he trains him, it becomes clear that he’s a strong, intelligent and pretty extraordinary horse. Unfortunately, as soon as war breaks out, Albert’s dad sells the horse to the British calvary to pay rent. The boy is heartbroken, and enlists in the army himself; the rest of the movie is a sequence of battle scenes that chronicles both Albert and Joey’s experiences in the war.

What I liked most about War Horse was that it was a war movie without the gore- I can handle some pretty violent stuff, but a lot of carnage tends to really change the message of the movie. There was plenty of action, but the main focus was on Joey and Albert, not the death around them. Instead, the movie itself was absolutely stunning, with lots of shots of misty green European countrysides and sentimental scenes of trench life. It probably isn’t very realistic, but I actually appreciated the optimism.

Furthermore, the story is just awesome. I thought that when I saw it onstage, and though they definitely took liberties and changed some things in the film, it didn’t detract from the Joey-Albert relationship. Their bond reminds me of many peoples’ relationships with their dogs- any animal lover or owner could relate to it. It was touching, beautiful and a definite tearjerker, but not sappy or slow. You could take your boyfriend or husband and they’d enjoy it just as much as you would.

Overall, I’d give the movie a 5 out of 5- and though this is my first review, that’s not something I usually dole out easily! I’ve heard it’s getting Oscar buzz, so it sounds like the Academy agrees with me :) Go see it!

Have you seen War Horse? What did you think? How do you feel about the movie reviews- yay or nay?