A Horse Tale

A Horse Tale is a family-friendly movie from 2015 that tells the story of a young girl named Callie who has a passion for horses. Callie, played by Mandalynn Carlson, and her mother, played by Charisma Carpenter, move from Los Angeles to a small town in Montana after her father dies in a car accident.

In an effort to start fresh, Callie's mother purchases a struggling ranch, hoping to turn it into a thriving horse farm. Meanwhile, Callie is determined to train a wild mustang named Marcus, who has been deemed untrainable by everyone else in town. With some help from a local cowboy named Dallas, played by Patrick Muldoon, Callie sets out to break Marcus and prove everyone wrong.

As Callie spends more time on the ranch, she discovers that there is a deeper connection between Marcus and her father than she initially thought. Along the way, Callie learns valuable lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of family.

One of the strengths of A Horse Tale is its emphasis on the relationship between Callie and Marcus. The movie does an excellent job of portraying the wild mustang as a complex animal with his own motivations and emotions. Instead of simply being a plot device, Marcus is a fully-developed character that viewers come to care for throughout the film.

Another strength of A Horse Tale is its message about the healing power of animals. Callie's mother is struggling with her own grief, and it is clear that the move to Montana was not just about starting a new business but also about finding a way to heal. The horses on the ranch provide a source of comfort and healing for both Callie and her mother, and their interactions with the animals are some of the film's most touching moments.

In addition to the strong performances from the lead actors, A Horse Tale boasts a talented supporting cast. Dominique Swain delivers a solid performance as a rival horse trainer who is jealous of Callie's success with Marcus, while Tanya Clarke shines as a veterinarian who becomes a mentor to Callie.

One of the only flaws of A Horse Tale is its occasional reliance on cliches. The "small town, big dreams" storyline is a familiar one, and some of the scenes feel overly sentimental. However, these issues are minor and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Overall, A Horse Tale is a heartwarming movie that is sure to please both animal lovers and fans of family-friendly films. Its strong performances, touching story, and positive message make it an ideal choice for a cozy movie night.