The River Wild

Amazon.com

Meryl Streep tried her hand at action films with this Curtis Hanson film and proved herself quite credible, bringing emotion as well as the willingness to kick butt. She plays a suburban mom and former white-water rafting guide who is taking her family on a raft trip for summer vacation. But overworked Dad (David Strathairn) can't make the trip, so she and her son leave without him--and walk right into trouble. Killers on the run (Kevin Bacon, John C. Reilly) abduct them and force Streep to take them down the most dangerous stretch of river to elude the cops. Hanson understands how to pace and construct this kind of action fodder, but it's strictly formula stuff, enlivened only by the depth of Streep's portrayal and the viciousness of Bacon's character. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Meryl Streep Can Play Any Role.......2007-03-03

Meryl Streep takes the lead in this adventure gone action movie. Kevin Bacon always plays a great villain. This movie is beautifully shot. Great outdoor action movie.

The River Wild.......2006-08-07

Great suspense movie with great "stars". Kevin Bacon was outstanding as usual. Definately worth the purchase.

A Wild Ride!.......2006-07-22

Have seen this movie many times - it only gets better. Suspenseful and engaging, it will keep you guessing, and it's good to see Kevin Bacon as a bad guy for a change. Well-acted by Meryl Streep and Kevin, this is great for a rainy Saturday!

Great adventure movie.......2006-03-23

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. The suspense and action is a must-see, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. The way their ride through the rapids was filmed is fantastic!

Impressive.......2006-01-30

I have to say that Saturday night when my wife and I decided to play couch potato I wasn't expecting to get anything out of the movie she decided to watch. To be completly honest the only reason I stayed in the room was that I heard John C. Reilly was in this movie. But I'm glad I stayed, not for Rielly but fort he movie for it in itself was a really decent film. The story revolves around one family, Gail (Streep) and her husband (I can't spell his last name but it's the guy from Good Night and Good Luck) and their son as they go on a white water rafting trip down river. Gail is an experianced rafter and because of that she is inadvertantly forced to guide two thieves (Bacon and Reilly) down river. Kevin Bacon is great at playing bad and Reilly is always wonderfull as the sidekick, whether good or bad. It's Bacon though that steals the show as the completly evil and unpredictable Wade. I was impressed at how much I enjoyed the film and there were quite a few thrills and edge of your seat moments. I'd recomand it for anyone wanting an adrenaline pumper that falls more in line with action drama than scary. And I was equally impressed that Streep did all her own stunts...now thats dedication.

DVD:

DVD

DVD