The Canyon (2009)

Director:

Richard Harrah

Writer:

Steve Allrich (writer)

Release Date:

23 October 2009 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller

Plot:

A survival story about a honeymooning couple who get lost in the wide expanse of the Grand Canyon. |

Plot Keywords:

Grand Canyon | Beautiful Woman | Bare Chested Male | Spreadeagle | Pink Panties

Cast

Yvonne Strahovski	...	Lori
Will Patton	...	Henry
Eion Bailey	...	Nick
Andrea Marcellus	...	Park Ranger
Wendy Worthington	...	Motel Manager
Philip Salick	...	Elvis impersonator

MPAA:

Rated R for brief disturbing content.

Runtime:

USA:102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R (certificate #43992)

Filming Locations:

Moab, Utah, USA

Company:

Middle Fork Productions

Movie Connections:

References The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams (1974)

Dry & Desolate Canyon

The general plot line of stranded individuals in any particular setting is nothing new to Hollywood, as we have seen many marooned protagonists go up against mother nature, blood thirsty villains, and both fictitious and very real beasts alike. However, of all the places we have seen films set in, the grand canyon is mostly new. With a fresh setting we should have endless possibilities and plenty of room for an exciting and unconventional script. Unfortunately, 'The Canyon' cannot capitalize on it's sources. The final product that director Richard Harrah presents us with is nothing short of boring film-making, extremely grating 'come on' moments, erroneous use of wolves, and a very empty script. The actors are very talented and do what they can with the material, but not even talented actors can save a script that is as empty, dry, and desolate as the grand canyon itself. There are a few shining moments, but not enough to carry this movie into the entertaining zone. There is a nice gore scene (that will surely make anyone who watches it wince), the scenery is put to very beautifully shot aesthetic use, and of course nicely acted moments that accurately evoke the hopelessness of the situation and sometimes are even ironically witty. Notice that I have yet to mention the word 'thrilling' or 'thriller', which is extremely sad because this movies is obviously supposed to be just that - a thriller. 'The Canyon' simply can't cut it as a thriller and is obviously too straight forward to be anything else. Avoid this one just as you would avoid going into the grand canyon with a guide who could possibly double as the homeless guy who shines shoes outside of your office.