A Far Off Place

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Ethan Randall (Embry), Jack Thompson, Maximillian Schell, Sarel Bok
Directed by: Mikael Saloman
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
Box Office: $
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: After poachers kill their parents, two teens (Reese Witherspoon, Ethan Embry) whom dislike each other must travel with a bushman (Sarel Bok) across the Kalahari Desert and fight to survive against the poachers and the elements.

Review:
Tim: This is a fairly solid adventure film that accurately captures the fragile years transitioning from childhood into adulthood. Of course, this all takes place during a 2000 mile trek across the Kalahari Desert. These are the best scenes, as our three young protagonists fight for survival from the elements as well as those wishing them harm. How they survive the perilous conditions makes for an intense and interesting time.

Reese Witherspoon is great. You can already see some of her star-making charm blossoming. She is quite enjoyable in the role. The most important character is Ethan Embry (listed here as Ethan Randall for some reason) as we see all of this more or less from his eyes. He is really good as well, and interacts well with Witherspoon. Sarel Bok, playing a bushman, is honest and fresh. The three friends embarking on a nearly impossible journey sets the stage for a dramatic, action packed adventure of a lifetime.

The film suffers from an overly silly ending and at least one scene (involving Witherspoon and a gun) that nearly ruins the movie. This is unfortunate, because there are some really great scenes. Still, kids in the 11-15 year old range should love this movie. Every demographic will find this a solid adventure movie with quite a bit of heart.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



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