White Wolves II: Legend of the Wild

Take a group of troubled teenagers, one naturalist, beautiful Idaho mountain forests, a few wolves, and a couple of paragliders; put them together, add in a couple accidents; and you have White Wolves II. Actually the story isn't that simple. The teens are aiding a wolf researcher as part of a plea bargain. They help. Their records are cleared. The intent of this film is to display the resourcefulness of young people when confronted with life threatening situations. Unfortunately a little indian mysticism is thrown in adding an element of powers watching and controlling. A major inconsistency. But the film has some nice photography, some decent acting on the part of Elizabeth Berkley and Ele Keats. The pacing could be better but is ok. The positive message is good for young people (the obviously intended audience). Over all, I can't complain.

I love movies where the scenery is an important character. Here, nature is the star and we are left to unfortunately watch a paint by numbers plot unfold in a gorgeous unnamed location. Even in the IMDb "filming locations" there is no mention of the filming site.

I was truly taken back by Ele Keats, I thought for a few minutes that she was a cgi effect, like the character in the Al Pacino movie "S1m0ne", because she was so stilted. And then there is the little vixen from "Saved by the Bell", now all grown up, and at 23, still playing a teenager.

One scene in particular shows off her two enormous talents. Her very next movie was the infamous "Showgirls" ; our little Lizardbreath is all grown up and fun to watch! The premise is recycled from previous efforts to portray borderline juvenile delinquents who are scared straight by the awesome mystic power of a few nights away from Mom and Dad. Weather these punks are digging holes in Arizona or growing up fast when confronted by the capricious wilderness, I had the feeling that I was watching the same movie.

Thank goodness for EB's two big talents.

A group of troubled teenagers, including Crystal (Elizabeth Berkeley) are given a second chance by a naturalist. If the five will accompany him into the Idaho wilderness to garner a count of wolves, their law-breaking deeds will be erased from their records. None of them are very enthused but sure want to get it over with. Gal Beri is especially remote and surly. They hear of the legends of a White Wolf, who, when sited, is a good omen and guide for the future. These teens need it! First, they rescue a darling pair of wolf puppies when their mother is slain by a mountain lion. Later, they must protect these pups from a hungry bear. They also get injuries in a hang gliding accident and a boat turned over in the rapids. In fact, their adult leader must take one of the wounded males to a hospital far away and leaves the teens orders for their own safety. But, more bad events arise. Can these teenagers prove themselves by working together for survival? This is another in a line of troubled teen flicks being thrust into a physical challenge and reaping the benefits. Its a great idea and most likely works. The actors here do not have name recognition, except Berkeley, but they do quite well and are attractive, personal folks. Its the sensational setting that is the big winner here, beautiful Idaho mountains and darling wolves, especially the puppies. Likewise, there is no objectionable material amid the character building adventure. If you happen upon the film anywhere, don't turn down a view!

Forget the jaded comments that come before these. This is an action packed but sensitive movie about people who overcome real problems in a beautiful setting. Well-acted, even by Elizabeth Berkley. Recommended for anyone who wants to feel something and experience change.

Why a good actress like Elizabeth Berkley stars in this commonplace movie???!!! The cast gives some good performance (Elizabeth Berkley as a Barbie girl, Ele Keats as a girl without mother and Justin Whalin, a guy eternally lessened by his bother), but the direction is extremely boring and the story is NOT so interesting and original. I can NOT believe that a movie like this was produced for the big screen! Julie Corman (the producer): are you CRAZY???!!!