Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unexciting adventure film about lost kids has mild peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Against the Wild
What's the Story?
Zach (CJ Adams) and Hannah (Erin Pitt) are lost in the woods after their small plane crashes en route to visit their dad, the supervisor at a remote mine. The pilot is injured in the accident, and the kids set off to find help with only their dog, Chinook, for protection in AGAINST THE WILD. While the kids find themselves threatened by both the elements and some dangerous wildlife, their parents organize a search party and must come to terms with the fact that two young kids are hard to find in a very large forest.
Is It Any Good?
Zach and Hannah are appealing characters, and Chinook is a beautiful beast, and, let's face it, it's nearly impossible to watch two kids lost in the wilderness without feeling some kind of emotion. But all that's not enough to make Against the Wild an entertaining film. The acting is stiff, the dialog is hokey, and the children make one rookie survival mistake after another. There are so many gaping plot holes not to notice -- at one point Hannah is too injured to walk, but moments later is seen running and jumping.
Their parents don't have much to do other than look worried. Scene after scene is filled with predictable lines and uninspiring heart-to-heart conversations. Young children may find some parts of the movie entertaining, or they may relate to the young leads, but most other viewers will be disappointed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Zach and Hannah's decisions. Do you think they make smart choices when faced with a survival situation?
How do Zach and Hannah's parents react to the news that their children are missing? How do they weather the crisis, and how does it affect their relationship with each other?
What would you do if you got lost or separated from your family? Talk about possible choices, or read more about survival techniques.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2014
- Cast : Natasha Henstridge , CJ Adams , Ted Whittall
- Director : Richard Boddington
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for action and peril.
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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