Racing Stripes
Shattered illusions are hard to repair -- especially for a good-hearted zebra named Stripes who's spent his life on a Kentucky farm amidst the sorely mistaken notion that he's a debonair thoroughbred. Once he faces the fact that his stark stripes mark him as different, he decides he'll race anyway. And with help from the young girl who raised him, he just might end up in the winner's circle.
Insights
Plot Summary
A farm zebra named Stripes (voiced by Dustin Hoffman) is abandoned and eventually taken in by a kind young girl, Channing Walsh. Believing he is a thoroughbred horse, Stripes dreams of becoming a champion racehorse despite his species. With the help of his farm animal friends and Channing's encouragement, Stripes defies expectations and prepares to compete in the prestigious Kentucky Open.
Critical Reception
Racing Stripes was met with largely negative reviews from critics, who found its plot predictable and its humor hit-or-miss. Audiences were somewhat more receptive, particularly families with younger children, though it was not a major box office success.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its visual effects and appealing animated animal characters.
- Criticized for a thin, unoriginal plot and weak jokes.
- Seen as a passable family film for very young children.
Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a cute and entertaining distraction, especially for children who enjoyed the talking animals and the underdog story. Some adults found the humor to be a bit too juvenile, but generally saw it as a harmless family movie.
Fun Fact
The voice of Stripes, Dustin Hoffman, had previously voiced the villainous character of Lord Farquaad in the animated film Shrek 2 (2004).
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