Movie #32- "Hidalgo" (2004)

This one seems like an odd choice.  A co-worker suggested it and lent me his copy.  I don't know if it was actual recommendation or just a movie he happened to own.  My interest in "Hidalgo" was piqued with Viggo Mortensen in the lead role.  Since "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Mortensen has made some excellent choices.  Although his films haven't been huge box office successes, the results have been solid movies.  "A History of Violence".  "The Road".  "Eastern Promises"... all movies worth watching.
"Hidalgo" pales in comparison to the other movies mentioned.  It's not bad for an action/adventure picture even if it is very predictable.  The centerpiece of the film is a 3,000 endurance horse race, which created some controversy.  Disney was selling this as "based on a true story", but there was some question as to the existence of such a race.  The film takes some time to build to the actual race, then deviates from it a few times including a rescue sequence that doesn't really add.
I see Mortensen's interest in "Hidalgo" as it gave him an opportunity to explore an outsider in a strange land and a chance to headline this genre of film.  I wish the material was stronger even though there is some great scenery and the race sequences well paced.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 3
First time viewings: 29