The Legend of Tillamook's 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.