Granite Rapids Moon

Fabulous portrayal of love and human confusion amidst the vastness of the Grand Canyon. This film beautifully captures some of the essence of how a few days in the wilderness can refocus one's views and priorities in life. The story may be fictional, but the experience is real.

This reviewer was pleasantly surprised to see the film set on trails hiked just recently, thus leading to some inevitable curiosity and bias on my part. The plot slowly opened up throughout the film just as a descent into the Canyon reveals more geologic layers in detail with each step. Familiarity with the locations certainly proved a draw. The unfolding of the characters and their histories provided their own share of suspense to keep the viewer engaged in more than just magnificent scenery.

A serious critic may find flaws of various kinds in the movie. However, as a vehicle for providing an escape into the wilderness where perspective distorts from normality, this film succeeds beautifully.

I was drawn to this movie for the Grand Canyon location and also for the musical score that included my local Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra. I actually loved the movie and the story. A little back story, the cast and crew needed to carry all their equipment into the Canyon. One trip was in the winter and one in the summer. They needed permission from the NPS, and a ranger stayed with them at all times. Totally amazing work, views of the canyon, and a glimpse of the challenges of backpacking in this remote place.

Not having any notion of what to expect, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Yes it is a film that involves many facets of backpacking but I found the more intriguing elements had to do with the growth of the main character to face past events and the relationships with others that you tend to meet on the trail. Sometimes it's nothing more than a nod, other times it can turn into lasting friendships.

The cinematography was outstanding. Hard not to feel inspired to lace up the hiking boots and hit the Grand Canyon after watching this.

If you can, I encourage you to see the film. You'll find it's a touching story with an ending I didn't expect, wonderful cinematography and a pleasant soundtrack. Enjoy!

This is an engaging movie, the storyline unfolds throughout with dramatic twists. It involves the effort of the main character to fulfill a goal he set much earlier in his life. The drama builds as he encounters hurdles along the way, both physical and emotional. The story is set and filmed primarily in the Grand Canyon, the scenery is spectacular and expertly filmed. I've visited the canyon from the rim but this story took me places I never saw. I did not anticipate the ending, but everything fell into place. The final scene helped explain the beginning. Highly, highly recommended, an absolute gem.

Being a member of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club, I have a special fondness for movies set in the outdoors. Granite Rapids Moon was that and so much more. The photography of the Grand Canyon was superb. I've hiked in the Canyon twice but never saw most of the vistas shown in the movie.

Not knowing what to expect of an indie film, I was delighted by the realistic, non-Hollywood storyline. Some of the characters were a bit weird, but if you have ever hiked the Appalachian Trail, you will have run into those kinds of characters--and more.

The surprise ending topped off a great film. If it's playing near you, do yourself a favor and see it--whether you love being in the outdoors or not.