River Wild

The movie is fine, a little overly dramatic, but altogether a fine watch when there's nothing else to watch. I did wonder if the actors and filmmaker were friends because there are a lot of connections between actors.

But the thing I'm taking umbrage with is the number of people on here trying to say this isn't a remake. It IS a remake in the actual sense. The end credits specifically say: Based on the film "The River Wild" written by Denis O'Niell. So, even though it's been rewritten and all, it's factually a remake.

And AS a remake, it's actually quite good in that they took a story and recreated the dynamics but still deliver on the same dread as with the original. Similar to the 2022 Wrong Turn remake.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Two siblings fight to survive deadly rapids while on a river rafting trip with a small group of strangers, one of whom has a dangerous past.

The film was written and directed by Ben Ketai with writing help from Mike Nguyen Le.

In case you're wondering, this movie has nothing to do with the 1994 movie The River Wild starring Kevin Bacon and Meryl Streep. The stories are completely different, although this one was released on the 29th anniversary of the first one.

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast includes Adam Brody, Courtney Chen, Eve Connolly, Matt Devere, Taran Killam, Leighton Meeter, Olivia Swann, and Nick Wittman.

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester are a couple in real life.

It must have been difficult to keep the camera steady on the river during the day and the night. The cinematography was very good. The various shots of the waterfalls were gorgeous.

It's good to be a doctor or, at least, to know some First Aid in an emergency!

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:

Sometimes, the camera goes out of focus during action sequences.

I've seen the movie listed as River Wild as well as The River Wild. Which one is it?

There are some plot holes and a serious escalation of bad choices.

I hate watching characters make stupid decisions.

It's really hard to see what's going on in the dark, night scenes.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity and crude expressions People flip the bird.

We see blood.

People die.

Various weapons are used in several fights.

The characters in this film make some of the dumbest decisions, and the main motivation for the "villain" really doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Also for a film about rafting it doesn't have very many intense rafting scenes like the 94' film has. The storyline doesn't make a whole lot of sense and isn't written well at all. Plus the movie just ends abruptly.

The River Wild from 1994 is a much better film, and I just recommend watching that instead if you have never seen it. The new film is supposed to be inspired from it and not actually a remake, but it does take certain plot points from it. The original plot though is so much better in every way.

I don't know why people compare this to the 1994 movie. It is completely a different movie. Only thing in common is water.

The script was average. Very predictable. But as someone else explained, you end up yelling at the TV. There are things happen that cause you to wonder why did they film it this way.

Other times it just doesn't make sense to film it that way. I try not to give things away so you can make up your own mind.

I like strong characters, this had too many weak ones.

Not sure why it got a 5.7 but it wasn't a bad put together film.

I do wish the cinematographer used more for what the landscape had to offer.

If you think it's a remake/reboot of The River Wild 1994,well you're basically wrong.. It has a few elements that feel similar a bad guy,rapids,rafting & survival.

This movie wasn't great but could of been worse,typical clichés & plotholes.

Was cast ok & acting was decent,cinematography was average.. The color tones & views of the river,felt lackluster/low-quality.

Spots in the movie dragged,as the storyline became redundant & predictable.

Although not a huge fan of partners working together,as it can usually negatively impact how their acting is.. Adam & Leighton did fine.

Is it worth seeing? Sure! It passes time or if you like,the actors or genre.

Still,best advice.. Watch the 1994 movie!