Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas

Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas is a delightful, joy-filled, animated holiday adventure from 2019. This family-friendly film is an extension of the Dreamworks animated series, 'Spirit Riding Free,' and features the voices of Amber Frank, Bailey Gambertoglio, and Sydney Park.

The heartwarming movie is set in the striking landscape of the American frontier in the late 19th century, following the thrilling escapades of a headstrong 12-year-old girl, Lucky, voiced by Amber Frank. Lucky resides in the small town of Miradero, Texas, with her loving father and Aunt Cora. More than her human companions, Lucky finds real comradeship in Spirit, a wild Mustang who shares her fierce independence, strong-willed nature, and yearning for liberty. Together, Lucky and Spirit form an unequivocal bond of friendship and embark on thrilling adventures while exploring the wide-open frontier.

In this holiday special, Lucky and her inseparable friends, Pru and Abigail, voiced by Sydney Park and Bailey Gambertoglio, are eagerly looking forward to the most joyous time of the year – Christmas. They are especially excited about the time-honored tradition of Miradero's annual Christmas concert and gift exchange. However, the festive spirit is threatened when a massive snowstorm hits Miradero, delaying an important delivery of musical instruments the girls were expecting for their concert. Not wanting to see the town's spirits dampened and the long-standing tradition upset, Lucky and her friends decide to take matters into their own hands.

With the help of their loyal horses, including Lucky’s beloved Spirit, the young ladies decide to brave the winter storm in a daring race against time to retrieve the instruments. The film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride across snowy plains, down steep mountains, and through icy rivers as the girls make the risky journey with their unwavering determination and unshakeable friendship. The venture is full of trials and obstacles, and the girls must use their wits, courage, and the unique skills of their horses to overcome them.

From the seclusion of the icy wilderness, the movie moves to the warmth of the close-knit community of Miradero. This visually luscious movie beautifully juxtaposes the grandeur of the American frontier with the cozy, small-town festivity of the holiday season, wrapped in an engaging narrative.

Amber Frank, Sydney Park, and Bailey Gambertoglio breathe life into their characters, adding depth to the narrative with their spirited performances. These courageous characters exemplify the can-do spirit of the frontier and pay tribute to the age-old folklore of the American West. Their bonding over their shared love of their horses and the frontier fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity, bringing depth to this animated adventure.

The central themes of friendship, resilience, and the holiday spirit resonate strongly throughout this vibrant movie. It demonstrates the power of solidarity and the spirit of giving, making it a perfect holiday pick for families. Not only does it offer visual splendor, thrilling escapades, and touching character interactions, but also imparts valuable life lessons about determination, teamwork, and the spirit of Christmas.

While primarily targeted at a younger audience, Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas has elements that can be enjoyed by viewers of all age groups. The film is not just a lofty holiday-themed adventure but is also a visually charming ode to the spirit of freedom, embodied in the character of Spirit the Mustang, captivatingly illustrated against the backdrop of the wild American West.

Indeed, Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas emerges as an exciting, heart-tugging, visually spectacular holiday special. It beautifully interweaves the holiday spirit with the untamed spirit of the Frontier, offering an exhilarating blend of adventure, comedy, emotion, and holiday magic.