Escape from Wildcat Canyon (1998) User Reviews

Terrific film!

[grontraktor · 7/10 · 19 August 2019]

I saw this movie with my friends really late at night. Thought it would be mediocre. But then it turned out to be a really beautiful movie. I really loved the bond between that the grandfather and his grandson had. It made me remember the things I used to do with my grandpa. It's really worth watching!

Dennis Weaver is Great!!

[reve-2 · 19 November 1999]

When this film appeared on TV I read the synopsis and intended to watch the first few minutes and then switch to something else. But, I was immediately fascinated by the realistic portrayal of a loving grandfather played, faultlessly, by Dennis Weaver. Virtually every facial expression and dialog of Weaver's conveys love and concern for his family. When he and his grandson are forced to make their way through the wilderness after a small chartered airplane crashes, Weaver shows resourcefulness, courage, and just the right amount of vulnerability. This movie is not, at all, sad. It is actually very upbeat. But all of the characters make you care about them and, I must admit, the last few moments had me removing my eyeglasses and reaching for my handkerchief. Please don't miss this one. All of the actors are very good but, it's definitely a great vehicle for Dennis Weaver.

None

[nicbolandhill2004 · 10/10 · 10 October 2004]

I just watched this film. I hadn't planned to watch it. It just came on after a previous film on sky movies. I was hooked immediately. I couldn't take my eyes off to see what the title of the film was, but as the end drawn close i had a quick peek so i could buy the DVD. Excellent Dennis Weaver and the boy that played Pete were excellent really exciting storyline and an excellent edge-of-seat ending. I really liked the very end I won't express what it was a it might spoil the film but it was an excellent end. The freeze frame at the end was also a excellent was to finish such a heart gripping story. I'd give this film 10 out of 10

Good but the aircraft registrations are not right

[pilot64 · 8/10 · 16 June 2009]

I enjoyed this movie. As others have said, some things are not very realistic but didn't detract from it. One of these is the numbers on the aircraft. Maybe this should be under the category of goof rather than a comment. It is supposed to be set in the US but the registration numbers are wrong. US registration numbers start with N but have no dash and continue with one or more numbers followed by one or two letters. Canadian registrations start with C then a dash and 4 letters. These seem to be Canadian numbers with the C replaced with an N, resulting in an incorrect registration for any country. One plane has AT109 after the dash. This does not fit any system I know about.

A feel-good movie where everyone becomes a hero.

[SteveLoc · 16 October 1999]

Worth your time to watch this one. Starts with a plane crash in snow covered mountains (not a bad crash, cause nobody dies). Then the characters start to really develop. Example: Was grandpa really just a cook in the war? Or, is there something he never managed to tell his own SON? Eventually, he tells his GRANDSON (when the chips are down and things look pretty bleak). Some of the scary scenes weren't really that scary, but the river and waterfall scene was good - I sat up for that one! It's OK to get tears toward the end (happy tears).

Warm, gentle storytelling...

[KathleenK22 · 8/10 · 4 October 2020]

Yes it is dated but it is a lovely movie. It is scenic with a nice story and acting is good especially Weaver. A family can watch this maybe would not entertain young children because much depends on the story and the visual aspects. It hit the spot with me as I did not feel like a heavy, violent one today. Family Is always a good topic and love is powerful especially when there are lessons to learn. There is more to everyone than meets the eye. People are complex. Sometimes we need a happy ending too especially at this time with the corona virus ravaging countries and families. Watch knowing it is not a fast paced movie with technological tricks and modern 2020 cinema and have a tissue ready for parts of it especially towards the end.

Dennis Weaver is terrific.

[SanDiego · 28 August 2000]

Dennis Weaver gives a terrific performance as an aging Marine vet who bonds with his grandson after a small plane crash abandons them in a winter wilderness. Dangers such as a wolf pack, wildcat, rock cliff, rapids, and a waterfall don't seem very menacing (for example, the wolf pack is chased away by the grandson with his bicycle horn), and the indoor sets of their camps don't mesh well with the actual scenery but this film is not so much an action-adventure film as a family drama and in those terms this film excels.