Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poor acting/directing make this teen treasure hunt a bust.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
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.
Is It Any Good?
The fantasy elements in this film don't mesh well with the rest of the story, and it's sometimes hard to follow the story's chronology. 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. 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they consider treasures. In the film, the girl chases a gold treasure but in the end she calls something else her "greatest treasure." What is her greatest treasure and what is yours?
What did the Native American say was his treasure?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 20, 2008
- Cast : Brian McNamara , Julia Campbell , Suzanne Marie Doyon
- Director : Jane Beaumont Hall
- Studio : Questar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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