Official Synopsis:
Inspired by a true story, this family adventure features an all-star cast, including Don Johnson, Olympic-skating silver medalist Sasha Cohen, Lori Loughlin and Kay Panabaker. Life is a rough ride for awkward, friendless, 15-year-old Moondance (Panabaker). But when a Pinto pony named Checkers leaps into her life, Moondance pursues a dream she never knew she had. Convinced that Checkers has champion potential, she enters him in the Bow Valley Classic, and in the process learns only perseverance lands you in the winner's circle. Directed by Michael Damian, and featuring an irresistible soundtrack, Moondance Alexander is an uplifting story the whole family will enjoy.
  
Our Take:
It’s not unusual for movies with strong plots to fall flat on their face because of poor acting or directing; it is, however, unusual for movies with weak plots to surmount their flimsy premises and succeed spectacularly. Moondance Alexander is fantastic movie that is fun to watch. Sure, it’s not really about much, but I liken it to the county fair. Fried dough and cotton candy aren’t what anyone would call nutritious but, man, do I like them!

The film starts off slow. The opening scene at the high school stinks and I was dreading watching the rest of the movie based on it, but the film involves such good acting that I quickly became engrossed. The story of a girl who falls in love with a horse (Checkers) and along the way redeems a discredited horseman is loosely based on the experiences of writer/producer Janeen Damian, according to an interview with director Michael Damian.

Don Johnson brings a lot to the show, obviously, but Kay Panabaker and the horse pretty much steal the show. Panabaker nails the performance in almost every scene and Checkers, the horse, is an amazing animal. The trainer did an excellent job with the horse. Even ice skater Sasha Cohen does a great job in this movie.

There are a few good extras included with the DVD:

* “I Choose You” Music Video ( 4 minutes) – Laura Wright video of the theme song from the movie.

* Behind the Scenes and Cast Interviews (8 minutes).

* The Music of Moondance Alexander (4 minutes) – A look at making the movie’s music, which was recorded by a 100-member orchestra in Prague.

* Theatrical trailers (9 minutes) – The film’s trailer, plus three others.

Moondance Alexander is fun to watch and suitable for all audiences. You should probably buy it, rather than renting it, because you will want to watch this with your family more than once; it’s a keeper.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Overall Picture:
Movie: A-
DVD: B-

- Tony Gray
Staff Writer