The plot revolves around Evan, an orphaned young boy who is a musical prodigy. He finds music everywhere and learns to make music so he can find his parents.

It's a tale of faith and love, of the power and passion of music and the breathtaking struggle of a young family.

As far as young kids watching it, mine are nine, seven and four and I feel perfectly fine allowing them to watch it. Actually, I think it teaches valuable lessons about faith, love and creativity and I can't wait for them to see it! I will be prepared to answer the question, however, of how an unmarried couple gets pregnant, with as little details as possible of course.

Pick up the DVD or rent it on demand and cuddle up with someone close to you, or enjoy it in the peace of solitary. This is one you don't to miss.

It is a very good romantic comedy movie which says that behind the success of every successful man lays the hands of woman. In this movie, the depressed hero is rejuvenated by the heroine and this helps him to become the most successful businessman.

This movie has a very good comic timing. Also, the dialogues are very good. But, then there is one kiss scene in the end as a result of which t misses the universal rating.

A movie which is such a superb entertainer could not reach many people especially kids just because of this one kiss. Since, in country like India kissing is still not common. People consider it very obscene when some does this.

So, it would have been great if the directors had taken this point into consideration and made the. In this way, their profits would have been lot higher. Also, it would have made the movie a lot more acceptable by the people.

Actually this must have no problem in big cities but it could have some problem in small towns and cities where people are still quite traditional. In such places they have to watch movie secretly and not openly.

This is the part of the film that holds the viewer entranced within the beautiful landscape and seclusion that the horse and boy face together. Their relationship and trust in one another grow with small steps, placing adults and children alike in awe of what unfolds. The unbelievable connection and simplicity of being a child along with the friendship that blossoms before the viewer's eyes, commands the screen, making you feel a part of the stunning scenes that ultimately lead to Alec and “The Black” galloping along the beach as the sun sets in the background.

They are eventually rescued by a group of sailors with Alec again not leaving his trusted friend behind. Upon arriving home, a former horse racer named Henry Dailey agrees to allow Alec to keep his new horse on his property, where the older man sees the racing potential within the wild stallion.

They decide that though it will be very risky, and how “The Black” will react in a race is unknown, a stallion like this needs to be able to run like the wind, since it was what the horse was born to do. They both know also that the horse will not attempt anything without his trusted friend beside him. What happens next will leave both adults and children on the edge of their seats and rooting for these underdogs that don't seem to fit in and whose friendship began under circumstances no one else on earth understands.

Cast of Characters

This brilliant cast is led by Kelly Reno, the boy who plays Alec. The director's decision to cast this young boy, who had no acting experience and the son of cattle ranchers, made the movie what it is. Kelly is a natural with horses and experienced beyond his years at riding. The director had Kelly come and work with the horse for weeks before filming began, and this clearly paid off. The friendship between the boy and the horse was real and illuminated on the screen, especially in the scenes taken on the island when their friendship was just beginning. The fact that this boy had no acting experience added tremendously to the movie, since his mannerisms and way of speaking were so natural and unrehearsed in quality. He appears “normal”, just like any other child without a phony persona that sometimes shows through in acting. Children will connect right away to his natural appeal, as he seems just like them, and adults will find this aspect of the film endearing.

The rest of the cast is led by experienced actors that blend well in style and ability to the type of story and movie the author and director wanted. Henry Dailey, the former horse racer, is played with wonderful sincerity by Mickey Rooney, a veteran of acting since he was a child in Hollywood's Golden Era. The care he has for the boy and horse is genuine on screen, and it was wonderful to see him help tell this beautiful childhood story, recalling the days when he was a young man and appeared in National Velvet with child actor Elizabeth Taylor. Childhood stories about belonging and friendship seem important to the actor, and this shows on the screen. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this memorable role.

Alec's mother is played by Terri Garr, who would go on to have a long career in movies and television. The scenes with Mickey Rooney are sincere and the hesitation and worry she has for her son's safety make any parent watching connect to her character's dilemma of wanting to protect her child, yet having to let him spread his wings and trust his instincts.

The rest of the veteran cast blend brilliantly into the movie and all their experience around the young boy's natural ability with the horse and his lack of acting training help to bring the author's true intentions of the story to the screen with the heart and joy of what childhood friendships can ultimately accomplish.

About the Filming

There were two main obstacles in making this glorious film. Most scenes were filmed outdoors, where weather was a constant battle. The other challenge was working with the horses and their unpredictability. However, when watching the movie, the viewer would never know any challenges existed due to the marvelous and unforgettable result. The Black Stallion had the prestige of being nominated for countless awards and won several. The musical score, which did not overpower the movie but balanced well with those scenes without musical background, earned a Golden Globe nomination for Carmine Coppola. Many view the cinematography in this movie as a work of art. The film was directed by Carroll Ballard and executively produced by Francis Ford Coppola.

Summary

The story takes place in the 1940's, and as a result gives this film a timeless and universal appeal that will never go out of style. When this film was released in 1979, Hollywood was making millions on huge, big budget movies about science fiction like Star Wars and many others to come. The face of Hollywood films was changing to more commercially attract kids and teens, yet The Black Stallion was triumphant due to the spectacular and timeless story that has connected with children and adults alike for decades and will continue to endure. I was a child when this film was released, and I will make sure my children see this film. We will watch it together, and as a parent I can say that the children of today, mine included, are very used to seeing movies with non-stop special effects and storylines that move quicker than the speed of sound. I will make sure they watch this movie and later read the book that inspired the film. It may take a little bit of time for your children to become lost in the beautiful movie, but be persistent. They will leave the special effects behind and become entranced with this childhood story about a boy and his horse. They will connect dramatically with the story and share it together with you. As a result, you will have lots to share together and talk about. You will also be rest assured knowing that not only did you give them a memorable movie experience, you also showed them by example the difference between a good movie and storyline and a great one. Many do believe that The Black Stallion is the hands-down best family film every made on screen. I do believe they are right. And don't be surprised if your kids beg you for horseback riding lessons when the movie is over!

Rating and Availability

The Black Stallion is rated G for General Audiences. I personally believe children should be at least six years old before watching with you. The movie is available on DVD. Though there have been remakes and several sequels, do not confuse those films with the original classic.

I was skeptical when I stumbled across this film one night after putting my young children to bed. With a title like Ice Princess, I expected a story for very young kids and the movie having to do with, well, a princess. I expected some fluffy scenes with a Cinderella-like plot. Although the title does not do this movie justice, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed myself through the end of the film.

The main plot surrounds a teenage girl named Casey, who is extremely talented with physics and understanding the science of how the world works. She has a joy of skating on her frozen pond behind the house she shares with her mother, a college professor and feminist. Casey's hidden talent, which was pushed aside for most of her life while going after what she thought was her dream of attending Harvard, is finally unleashed during an important physics project. For this key assignment, Casey chooses to study the physics of ice skating and in the process mingles with competitive skaters her own age, takes fundamental lessons in the sport, and realizes that she not only has an enjoyment for the sport but a natural talent that could take her very far, but at a cost.

As the story unfolds, we find Casey making decisions many teens face when deciding what it is that they are good at and how to pursue it, despite what their odds are. The story is refreshing in that it captures teens as they are, unlike a lot of stories out there, which depict teens in a negative way or with the mindset of twenty-somethings. There are key challenges that Casey faces involving how to get the money to pay for lessons, how to get past a competitive setback in order to move forward in the sport, and how to make peace with her mother and have her see her daughter for who she really is.

The Characters

It is also wonderful that every character in this story has a purpose and are all affected by the main character of Casey and her lack of self confidence even though she is so unsure of herself. Michelle Trachtenberg is well cast as Casey and her scenes with veteran actor Joan Cusak, who plays Casey's mother, are both realistic and poignant.

The coach of the skating club's competitors is played wonderfully by veteran actor Kim Catrall, who mixes the toughness of a keen competitive coach with the uncertainty of a mother who has pushed her daughter, played by experienced young actor Hayden Panettiere, too far in order to gain glory she never received as a skater. The parallels of the coach and Casey's mother are evident as is the trials of strict regimens of those who compete in the sport, yet these points are not overpowering and can be understood by kids through adult ages. This same subtle style is taken in other aspects of the movie including what teens go through every day regarding not fitting in, having differences with parents, trying to please everyone who expects certain things from them, and eventually finding who they are in a very realistic way of what coming of age is about.

The supporting characters shine in this well-written film for all ages. The coach's son, and Casey's obvious first romantic interest, is played by experienced actor Trevor Blumas. Their awkwardness while getting to know each other holds both humor and sweetness.

Capturing the Sport of Ice Skating on Film

A very important aspect of this movie's realism is that although Trachtenberg and Panettiere's actual skating ability is limited, the rest of the actors are experienced competitive skaters and their talents are showcased. The fact that so much of the film takes place on the ice made this directorial blend both believable and acceptable to the viewer. There are even cameos by Olympic Medalists Brian Boitano and Michelle Kwan.

Overall Review and Summary

Although this is the perfect winter movie, you can definitely enjoy Disney's Ice Princess any time of year. If you are a fan of ice skating, you will find this story to act as a small insight into the behind the scenes of what is sacrificed and rewarded in the sport by these young skaters. If you are not a fan, you will still enjoy the story for all it has to offer, the fine acting, and the never-old coming of age story of a teen who finds confidence in herself and what her true talent is. Kids and teens will also get a clear view of what parents go through as well as parents recalling those days when anything is not out of reach if you work hard and do the right thing.

This is not an Oscar caliber film by any means, but it is not meant to be, and that is just fine. This movie is uplifting, funny, poignant, and above all else, believable. A true family film in every sense of the word and that you and your kids can watch, enjoy, and talk about together. In the world of cinema, this is a type of story that is not told as often as it was years ago and as it should be today. As an adult, I was able to relate to what it was like when I was younger in addition to the older characters and their struggles through their own mistakes. Although I am not a famous critic of film but a regular fan of the movies, after watching Disney's Ice Princess for the first time (and second and third), I was left feeling uplifted, touched, and happy. How refreshing.

Rating and Availability

Disney's Ice Princess is Rated G for all audiences and is available on DVD. The movie is occasionally shown on Disney's television channels.