The Legend of Tillamook's Gold (NR)

After her father loses his job, the family of 14-year-old Julie (Suzanne Marie Doyon) moves back to the father's hometown in coastal Oregon. While the mom and dad struggle with money and their relationship, the teenager becomes fascinated with a Native American legend that suggests a cache of hidden gold is buried on a nearby beach. The girl sees visions and hears voices that encourage her quest, and along with help from her father, grandfather, and a local Native American elder, she gets closer to finding the treasure than anyone else has. In the end, she learns the value of family and companionship trump gold.

The movie is based on a simple and satisfying premise -- a teen girl becomes obsessed with a legend and with some magical intervention, makes an important discovery, all while learning a greater lesson. But the poor production quality matched with odd directorial choices and abysmal acting make this a movie to skip unless very desperate. Actress Suzanne Marie Doyon, who plays the teen girl, exudes a sweet presence, but that's not enough to carry the entire movie. Her facial expressions barely change, whether she's talking to a magical elk or watching her father drown in the ocean. The fantasy elements don't mesh well with the rest of the story, and it's sometimes hard to follow the story's chronology. Also, the mother (Julie Campbell) comes off as completely unappealing. Her character could have been portrayed more complexly -- as a woman struggling with financial stress and the marital strain that comes with it -- but instead she seems petty, cruel, and obnoxious.

Studio: Questar
Director: Jane Beaumont Hall
Cast: Brian McNamara, Julia Campbell, Suzanne Marie Doyon
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 107 minutes
DVD release: May 20, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR