A young zebra foal, accidentally left behind by a traveling circus in Kentucky is taken in by Nolan and Channing Walsh. The young zebra, which they affectionately name Stripes, grows up on a farm next to the Kentucky Open race course. After seeing the thoroughbred horses train for the big race, Stripes dreams of becoming a racehorse. With the help of Channing and the rest of the animals on the farm, Stripes is about to see if he has the speed and the heart to reach the finish line.

There is something you can’t help but like about Racing Stripes. This engaging barnyard adventure features some nice acting from both the on-screen actors and the vocal cast. It also has a superb style that draws us in and wins us over with lashings of sentimentality. The little zebra that could will have you cheering for him to win the big race. The inhabitants of the Walsh farm definitely make the movie intriguing for adults and children alike.

The filmmakers have gathered an excellent vocal cast to bring these characters to life. Frankie Muniz is the voice of Stripes, the loveable zebra. Dustin Hoffman is Tucker, the Shetland pony, who becomes Stripes’ trainer. Whoopi Goldberg is Franny, a motivational, yet sarcastic goat. Joe Pantoliano is Goose, a pelican from New Jersey who is on the run from the mob. Joshua Jackson is Trenton’s Pride, Stripes’ main rival and Sandy, voiced by Mandy Moore is Stripes love interest. The random comic elements added by flies Buzz and Scuzz, which are voiced by David Spade and Steve Harvey, are sure to keep you laughing.

The human actors add a bit of exuberance to the film. Bruce Greenwood as Nolan Walsh and Hayden Panettiere as Nolan’s teen daughter, Channing Walsh, do a great job. Greenwood deserves a lot more acclaim than he gets while Panettiere is a good up and coming actress on the teen scene.

Racing Stripes is a great family movie that will appeal to both young and old alike. With cute animals and a sporting, against the odds story, this is wholesome entertainment that you can bet you are going to like.

I give it four stars.