Spirit Untamed

The titular adjective is accurate in describing the equine protagonist of Spirit Untamed, yet the movie itself is quite the opposite.

While it might appeal to less discriminating younger audiences, this innocuous spin-off from the 2002 animated adventure Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron seems destined to ride a similar trail to obscurity.

Lucky (voiced by Isabela Merced) is a free-spirited handful, both headstrong and precocious for her age. The same can be said of Spirit, a wild mustang who she befriends under trying circumstances, finding common ground in their mutual desire to carve out their own identity.

As the film opens, Lucky and her aunt (Julianne Moore) move from the city to the family ranch, where a reunion with Lucky’s estranged father (Jake Gyllenhaal) awaits. The two have drifted apart since the death of Lucky’s mother in a horseback accident years ago.

Although the youngster isn’t shy about objecting to the relocation, she finds solace in the local equestrian culture, befriending two girls with similar ambitions and becoming the unlikely confidant of the unruly Spirit. Their partnership is tested by an evil wrangler (Walton Goggins) seeking to capture and sell the horse for profit.

The feature directorial debut of veteran animator Elaine Bogan showcases some crisply detailed CGI visuals in capturing majestic prairies and vistas. The characters have angular features with wide eyes, the latter of which seems appropriate for Lucky’s journey of self-discovery.

Indeed, kids might identify with the rambunctious preteen heroine in this coming-of-age saga, which is most effective in its quieter, more intimate bonding moments between girl and horse.

Too often, however, the film emphasizes broad slapstick over character development and emotional depth. It becomes so intent on cramming every frame with as much mayhem as possible to satisfy short-attention spans in the target demographic. But other moviegoers are more likely to roll their eyes.

Given the vagueness of the setting, some broader themes get a half-hearted treatment, such as multicultural heritage, the importance of family, and reconciling with legacies and past tragedies. Lessons of courage, teamwork, and animal ethics don’t resonate as the story funnels toward a perilous climactic journey that lacks the intended tension.

By the end, you’d wish Spirit Untamed focused more on the characters with four legs rather than those with two.

Rated PG, 87 minutes.