Racing Stripes MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +4

Racing Stripes tells the delightful tale of a baby zebra that is accidentally left behind by a traveling circus. The zebra (voiced by Frankie Muniz) finds his way into the barn of former horse trainer Nolan Walsh (Bruce Greenwood) and his teenage daughter Channing (Hayden Panettiere) who aptly names him Stripes. In the barn, he is befriended by a host of misfit animals (voiced by Dustin Hoffman, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Foxworthy, Joe Pantoliano and Snoop Dogg). On the other side of the fence are champion stallions that mock their striped neighbor at every chance. From the edge of the Walsh property, Stripes can see the horses run on the racetrack, which fuels in him a desire to run and compete. Unfortunately, no one tells Stripes that he is a zebra. Aided by his zany friends, Stripes searches for a way to compete while the stallions do whatever they can to stop him. The conflict can only be settled on the racetrack of the prestigious Kentucky Open.

Few movies today capture the attention of the whole family, but Racing Stripes pulls it off. Hayden Panettiere is wonderful as a teenage girl who cares for the young zebra. The Walsh farm is filled withinsecureanimals, but they learn that success can be attained by working together. This reviewers favorite line occurs when Stripes is discouraged after discovering he is a zebra, and his friend Sandy, a beautiful filly, says, I care more about what is on the inside. That same sentiment is why God chose David over his seven big brothers to be the giant slayer: for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. What a contrast to the messages teens get today. The uplifting messages are mixed with the humor of all the animals, especially a pelican named Goose (Joe Pantoliano) and the horsefly duo Buzz and Scuzz (Steve Harvey and David Spade). Other than some double-entendre where ass is used for donkey and pecker is used for beak and some bathroom humor, this movie is a great one for family night.

Preview Reviewer: Henry J. Rogers
Distributor: Warner Brothers