Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk (2008) Reviews

• Breathtaknig Views and Visual effects

  stpatrickqin2008-08-10

  I admit, I was intrigued by this film simply because it is about the Grand Canyon, and I am so intensely interested in it for all that it is. Thus, going into this film, I was simply excited to see the Grand Canyon in visual detail. I came out a happy camper -- excuse the pun -- and don't regret seeing this film. The film is, by means of its own title, a message about preserving the canyon's waters and a viewer would have to be a fool to think that this is a nature film about the details of the canyon's history, geology, botany, etc. Never in my right mind would I think it to be about any of that, simply because of the title and -- of course -- reading what the movie is about ahead of time. (Duh!) That being said, I feel there were many positives about the film that I enjoyed. The cinematography was incredible, and the effects were top-notch. I often felt like I was right there in the canyon, itself; particularly during the river rafting sequences. I often waited for water to sprinkle out onto me (though this is no Disney park attraction!) Also, the soundtrack was excellent and very fitting for the amazing scenery. Sure, there were many elements that I'd have to disagree with. I wouldn't have had so many narrators speak to the audience, and I would have presented more opposing views that counter-argue or give praise to what IS being done to preserve the canyon -- instead of making us all seem like evil-doers who have this centralized plot to overthrow the country's Indian tribes. Yes, I would have to say that a more positive focus should have been placed in the film -- but hey, it's not my thesis. Thus, I liked the film for what it was and not for what it was SUPPOSED to allegedly promise us the minute we purchased our tickets. I appreciate the breathtaking views that this film provided, in just 45 minutes, that not all people may get to experience in their entire lifetimes. For that, I am thankful.

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• What can I say that's positive about this film?

  actionlad2008-05-27

  I mean really, what can I say? While I won't go so far as to say it was a waste of money, I just felt like it was a 45 minute sermon that was meant to make me feel guilty for existing on earth (and living in the Southern Nevada desert). The film spent the first 10 minutes talking about the lake in Chad and showing graphs and pictures of the two dams that are affecting the Colorado's flow. Nothing positive or beneficial was mentioned about how these dams create power and resources for the thirsty areas of the desert, nor about the jobs the dams have been able to create and sustain. Instead, there was a condemnation of what was done over half a century ago in Nevada and nearly as long in Glen Canyon. What I would have liked to have seen was a film that showed the Grand Canyon in all it's majesty and glory from the very beginning. A nature film should dazzle the senses from the moment it comes on screen. This film instead, has at least 3 different narrators whose voices ominously appear and then disappear throughout the film to the point that you have no idea whose talking at different points. What I would have liked to have seen (or heard) was Robert Redford's voice consistently through the film, introducing each person's voice and then coming on again after that person had spoken. Instead, it was Redford, then Wade Davis' voice, then his daughter's voice, then Bobby Kennedy Jr's voice and then back to Redford, then Bobby Kennedy's daughter and I must not forget that the Indian Woman gets her chance to shine. It might just be me, but I think consistency to the structure of the film is the key to a film like this. A more powerful way to have presented the argument in this film would have been to show the beauty of the nature of the Grand Canyon and the mighty Colorado. It would have been nice to have highlighted a brief history of the developments along the Colorado and then near the end brought to light the plight of the river and what the future could hold. Rather, what ends up happening is a consistent barrage of condemnation toward those who've settled the west from the opening of the film to it's last pathetic attempt to show us how we too, can conserve the earth's resources.

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• Excellent Nature IMAX Experience

  J_Trex2008-12-10

  This was a very good way to appreciate the wonders of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River without flying out to Arizona. I thought the experience of seeing this on the IMAX screen was a particularly good use of this medium. You really felt as though you were shooting down the Colorado rapids, with the spectacular scenery of the Grand Canyon all around. Some of the comments on this board disparaging the film must have been due to the overt political grand standing the film makers felt compelled to subject their audience to. While the cinematography was outstanding, the political/environmental commentary less so. The film makers seem to make a big deal out of blaming global warming for the drought in the western US, but that attribution seems like a stretch, especially given what happened to the native Indians thousands of years prior (vanished due to drought, long before the combustion engine, let alone Hoover Dam). The sanctimonious environmental preaching aside, this was an excellent movie, well worth checking out at your local IMAX theater.

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• Beautiful Film

  tkbtkb-12008-08-18

  Beautiful film about a one of the most beautiful places in America. Having just come back from an all-paddle trip down the Colorado, I can guarantee you that the film brought back many spine tingling moments on the river. If you've recently rafted the canyon, you'll recognize many places seen only from the river. If you aren't able to raft the Colorado, this film comes as close as you can possible get without going there. The name of the film is "river at risk", and after spending a week in a canyon with experts, I can certify that the title is aptly named. Yes, the film is part lecture and lesson, but how can you not look at lake levels at the Hoover Dam and not understand the problem. Please don't listen to the that other review posted by the Haliburton CEO. I'm not sure he even went to the movie based on his comments. He's obviously very uneducated. Go see this film. It's enjoyable from beginning to end, exciting, and important.

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• Beautiful scenery. Three thumbs up.

  DaffytheD2008-08-12

  We saw this movie at an IMAX. It was amazing to say the least. Whoever calls it "brainwashing" obviously didn't understand the real message, being that the Colorado River must be protected. If not for anything else, this movie is worth your time for the funky Dave Matthews tunes and the stunning scenic cinematography. Whether you get the chance to see this film at an IMAX (preferably), or at a conventional theater, you will, considering you have an open mind and a love for nature and all its amazing wonders like the Grand Canyon, certainly not be disappointed. These film makers are not trying to brainwash anybody. They have a passion for protecting our environment and have expressed that brilliantly through this film. I highly recommend it!

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