jackasstrange That is everything you'll get from this turd named 'The River Wild'. Awful piece of trash. Meryl Streep did very well, but for what? Character development was awful. I couldn't care for the characters any less, and everything was black and white (either good or villain). In the end I was rooting for Kevin Bacon's character, but since his character was also poorly built and unbelievably dumb I couldn't care less for him either. But calling his character dumb is not very fair. The whole film is about events that will challenge your mind, but not in a good way. I could start talking about how unconvincing the entire thing was, like, for example, how many times the family could've escaped from the bandits but didn't because of an utterly dumb move. And the Deus Ex Machine moments too. But would be a pointless exercise. There is also some cliché scenes that are cringe worthy. But pointless to go further. Just take my words for it. This film is a mess. Weird for a project with names such as Kevin Bacon, John C.Really and Meryl Streep in the cast. 4.6/10

AaronCapenBanner Curtis Hanson directed this exciting thriller that stars Meryl Streep and David Strathairn as Gail and Tom Hartman, who are taking their son with them on a white water river rafting trip in the mountains while on vacation. Gail is the real expert rafter, which will come in handy as they are intercepted by two men named Wade and Terry(played by Kevin Bacon and John C. Reilly) who at first pretend to simply be lost and inexperienced rafters. Wade even bonds with their son to an extent, and appears charming to Gail, but they are both really crooks who kidnap them at gunpoint and force Gail to lead them over the rapids, where they will meet up with their accomplices. How can Gail get them out of this mess? Good film with solid direction and performances, especially Streep and Bacon. May not be entirely original, even routine, but so skillfully presented it doesn't matter.

drystyx This is a good drama, set to nice scenery and enough action to keep it afloat on a "river Wild" of course.Three bandidos (sounds cooler than bandits, so I'll say it) are on this "river wild", as are a man, his wife, and their son.Issues arise between the couple, and when the two groups meet, one of the bandidos is dead, and the husband becomes weakened, which of course you know, because Meryl Streep has to be the star.This is all leading up to a final confrontation with the psychopath played by Kevin Bacon.So what makes this interesting is the wild card. The accomplice, played by Reilly, is not any of the stereotypes we are used to seeing. He is not the sicko, killer, maniac, or complete low life. Neither is he the good hearted kid who means well. He is the one we don't know throughout the movie, and that plays a key role in its ending.It ends with a decision that must be made by Meryl Streep, when she has one bullet for two men. One with the physical force and power of the knife. The other with the mental control. It becomes a throwback to the bad guys from "Rope" in a way.Does she make the right decision? Does she miss completely? I won't spoil that.

ben83 Gail (Meryl Streep), brings her workaholic husband Tom (David Strathairn) and son Roarke along on a white river rafting trip for a bit of family bonding and partially to salvage what's left of her declining marriage.The family vacation turns awry however, when they stumble across two mysterious strangers (Kevin Bacon & John C Reilly) who are in need of help as, so they claim, they are stuck in the middle of nowhere and need Gail to help them get out. Gail previously having worked as a guide on the river agrees. This is their story which differs somewhat to the actual truth as to what they are up to and soon husband Tom gets suspicious of the pair, as well he might! What follows is a roller-coaster ride of thrills, splashes, action and tension which successfully make this 90's action thriller a force to be reckoned with. It manages to keep the audience entertained and enthralled as Streep goes head to head with the two villains and of course the gushing river that cuts through the movie. The River Wild does what it says on the tin, all the while refraining from hiding behind any CGI effects, instead just using good old fashioned stunt work and great acting.Directed by Curtis Hanson who had previously directed 'The Hand That Rocked The Cradle', he uses his previous skill in pumping up the tension successfully and there are some great moments that make you wonder what is going to happen next.Meryl Streep is great as usual and plays the strong, level-headed female lead well, yet still with an air of vulnerability at the same time. Kevin Bacon is an excellent primary antagonist as Wade, along with his dumb partner in crime Terry. It's actually fun to watch as he uses his superficial charm to gain the trust of Gail and her family and then switching to a malevolent bad guy as soon as his motives are exposed. The scenes between Streep and Bacon are tense and dark which increases the pace even further.There are strong supporting characters too, including David Strathairn's serious yet underestimated husband role. Joseph Mazzello, from Jurassic Park fame, is Gail's son who puts in a good performance here. Benjamin Bratt also makes a small appearance as a guide on the river. John C Reilly appears in an early career role and has since had stronger roles in film.I have rated this film highly as it kept me entertained throughout. This is mainly due to the acting and direction which keep the pace going at break neck speed.Good old 90's action thriller.