Movie Review: Racing Stripes

Written by Mike and Paula Parker

What is it about the underdog, the ugly duckling, the outsider that we all love to root for? Perhaps we identify with the feelings of being left out, and long for that chance to prove that the odds are wrong and that we can — just once — win. Alcon Entertainment's newest release, Racing Stripes, combines live action and CGI animation to celebrate the desire to go for the gold against seemingly insurmountable odds in this fun family film.

Racing Stripes is the tale of a baby zebra named Stripes (Frankie Muniz), who is accidentally abandoned by a traveling circus during a rainstorm. Discovered by former racehorse trainer Nolan Walsh (Bruce Greenwood), the helpless zebra foal soon finds a new home on the Walsh farm, where he promptly becomes the favorite of Nolan's young daughter, Channing (Hayden Panettiere).

Stripes settles into his life among the other barnyard animals, led by a cranky Shetland Pony named Tucker (Dustin Hoffman) and Franny (Whoopi Goldberg), a wise goat who looks after Stripes. The group also features Reggie the rooster (Jeff Foxworthy) and Goose (Joe Pantoliano), a deranged big-city pelican.

As Stripes and Channing grow up together, they share the same dream — racing in the prestigious Kentucky Open. However, there are obstacles facing the pair; Channing's understandably over-protective father refuses to let her compete in the potentially dangerous sport (his wife died in a riding accident), and Stripes is unaware of one little fact…he's not exactly a horse.

The neighboring Dalrymple Estate is run by the ruthless queen of the racing circuit, Clara Dalrymple (Wendie Malick). Stripes battles the ridicule of the Estate's thoroughbreds-in-training, Sir Trenton's Pride (Joshua Jackson) and Ruffshod (Michael Rosenbaum). But the Estate is home to some kinder residents, such as Sandy (Mandy Moore), a beautiful mare whose admiration for Stripes irritates the young stallions, as well as two wild and crazy horseflies, Buzz (Steve Harvey) who wants to bring a sense of dignity to horseflydom, and Scuzz (David Spade) who prefers to wallow in the muck and mire.

With the help of his barnyard friends, Stripes must overcome prejudice and self-doubt to pursue his lifelong dream of running with the big horses and landing in the winner's circle.

With its all star cast, Racing Stripes can't help but win hands down in its humor; there are some outrageously funny lines, even though the story is predictable.

Racing Stripes is rated PG for mild, crude humor — the kind little boys laugh about — and some language. Parents may also want to discuss the issue of gambling that is part and parcel of the horse racing industry.

Mike and Paula K. Parker cover entertainment for LifeWay.com from their home in Middle Tennessee. Visit them online at www.wordcrafts.net.

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