The River Thief

I'm surprised one of the top user reviews criticizes the end (last 20-30 minutes) of the film. To me, that part is what took it from a decent film, to a great film. It was artistic yet intense, and just great storytelling. I want to say so much more but I really don't want to spoil any specifics for anyone.

The only negative thing I have to say is on the acting. Most of the characters - the boy, the girl, the drug traffickers - did a good job. But the grandpa, while I actually thought he was a good character, just didn't pull off a lot of the lines in a way that seemed natural. The guitar aspect with him was cool, and his attitude and mannerisms fit the character, but I just think a different actor for the grandpa could have done a much better job. Someone with a little more acting experience and gusto.

"The River Thief" has a beautiful message portrayed in a powerful way. The first feature film written and directed by bestselling author N.D. Wilson, "The River Thief" is produced with excellence. The cinematography is gorgeous. The acting is strong and believable, and the characters have a depth that entices one to care about what happens to them.

Parents should know this film could be rated PG-13, as it contains a few scenes of graphic violence and some mild profanity. The teens and adults in our family give "The River Thief" two thumbs up, and hope N.D. Wilson will create many more films in the future!

It was not bad when viewed as a Sunday matinee with my YA nephew and niece. Bas Rutten was a great villain as always and overall it was pretty competent acting on display. I liked the soundtrack as well. Its worth a view if it just happens to show up on your tv screen as long as you don't go into expecting anything else other than a decent Hallmark family feature.

This film was simple, yet creative, and quite well done. Wilson's style was, as in everything he does, very distinctive and pleasing. I enjoy the way he makes each story (whether it be book or film) have an individual and interesting cultural setting. The characters were properly developed and interesting, especially taking into consideration the slightly shorter than average length of the film. The twist ending actually surprised me quite a bit and that is impressive, as I (apparently wrongly) assumed I was familiar enough with the director's style to not let something like that slip up on me.

There were a few things that were a bit rough around the edges, but overall I was pleased with this film and would likely watch it again. There is clearly has a talent for filmography here, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to quality, Mr. Wilson. I hope to see more films of yours in the future.

The story takes place in an ordinary small town surrounded by extraordinary riverside country. The characters are down-to-earth. Some may consider the grandpa to be the least realistic, but he actually reminded me of someone I know. (Actually, I've known a few old people throughout my life who knew how to love through their straightforwardness.)

But this movie is more than entertainment. Listen to the end and the message should be inescapable, even for those who generally turn their brains off when staring at a screen.

Ever look inside an uncovered electrical panel? Looks ho-hum, but dare to meddle and - zzzzz-ow!

I dare you to watch this film.