Talking-animal movies are rarely worth the price of admission, which is why exceptions like BABE (1995) are so notable; not only is it creepy to hear celebrity voices issuing from the mouths of dogs, cats and other beasts, but once gifted with the power of speech, the animals rarely seem to have anything interesting to say. That's certainly the case with this bland family comedy. On a dark and stormy night, a traveling circus breaks down somewhere in Kentucky and has to repack its cargo. In the chaos, no one notices that a small box containing a baby zebra has been left behind. Fortunately, kindly breeder Nolan Walsh (Bruce Greenwood) happens by and brings the foal back to his barn, where daughter Channing (Hayden Panettiere) takes one look and begs to keep the adorable orphan. Nolan puts up token resistance, but Channing quickly wins him over and christens their new addition Stripes (voiced by Frankie Muniz). The zebra is then introduced to the rest of the farm's animal crew, including know-it-all goat Franny (Whoopi Goldberg), hyperactive rooster Reggie (Jeff Foxworthy), and a cranky Shetland pony named Tucker (Dustin Hoffman). While exploring the grounds, Stripes catches sight of a neighboring racetrack where the prestigious Kentucky Open is held, and the overeager equine conceives the grand dream of becoming a racehorse. Three years pass, but the only action Stripes sees is racing the mailman to the farm gate. But he holds fast to his dream, and his patience pays off when Channing decides that she also wants to ride in the big race. Nolan — who trained racehorses until his wife died in a tragic racing accident — is far from thrilled with her plans, but Channing and Stripes both refuse to take no for an answer. Young children may be mildly entertained by this familiar story, but for anyone over the age of 10 the film contains few surprises and even fewer laughs. You know a movie's in trouble when the screenwriters' idea of a hilarious line is "Talk to the tail" or "Don't make me chew open up a can of pony-whup." Director Frederik Du Chau shows little visual imagination and the cast all appear mildly embarrassed for participating in this venture. Only Greenwood, that perpetually underrated character actor, attempts to lend some sort of emotional gravity to the proceedings. He deserves better than playing Wilbur to a whole crew of Mr. Eds. --Ethan Alter
