fallfraust The reason True Heart doesn't get a ten is because it does simplify certain situations, which lower the films believability. However, this does not ruin the film, if you are the type of person that doesn't expect life to always show up as black or white. Also, given that young children are a part of its target audience, it makes sense not to make the stories events too involved. Children are great at using their imaginations to fill in the blanks, or at just accepting something at face value. So don't get stuck on the few moments in the film where moments are oversimplified. Instead, let yourself get lost in the amazing, beautiful scenery, and the mystical and magical undertones that leave you feeling inspired and hopeful about life, and the world. Yes, the Native American is slightly stereotyped, but look past that to his modeling of how to embrace, be respectful, patient, compassionate, passionate, reverent, graceful, courageous, kind and caring. As for the children, perhaps the heart on her sleeve, leaping in, openly passionate girl's character is easier to connect with, but the boy's character, with his closely held emotions, quiet passion, cautious - but still open to the world around him - exploration might be more interesting, if you give him a chance. If nothing else, they are a nice complement to each other... a good reminder of how different, yet similar we are as human beings. Go on, watch this film using your child-mind. View it from a place of curiosity, innocence, and imagination. You won't be sorry.

Queerpike I thought this was a pretty good adventure flick. Perhaps not for everyone, but it was an entertaining midday movie if nothing more.This movie is definitely more for kids and families. Some of the elements verge on magical (which has got some of the commenters on this site up in arms but I think the point is to suspend your disbelief - it's an adventure flick for children), morality plays a huge role and the line between good and evil is clearly defined.Basically it's the story of how 2 children, Bonnie and Sam, find their way to safety after their plane crashes in the wilderness, helped by nature-loving wilderness-man Khonanesta and hindered by a group of greedy, selfish poachers with guns. The kids sort of find themselves the middle of an existing battle over the bears.There are a few moral issues raised, which is standard and I think appropriate for the target audience. The conservation of nature vs the greed of the poachers (who are clearly defined as "bad guys" from the get-go). Acceptance and looking beyond first impressions are major themes - the kids have to learn to trust Khonanesta who seems strange to them at first (they also have to trust the bear to a degree). There is also an ongoing moral sub-plot about how they can't let go of the memory of their dead father and have a strong resentment towards their stepfather which Khonanesta tries to help them resolve.Kirsten Dunst is always good, and always seems to have a knack for action/adventure- which this movie is certainly equal parts of. The Home Improvement kid was pretty stilted, didn't seem to really make much of his character which made parts of the script drag. Their relationship could have been more convincing. The Khonanesta character was a bit clichéd in the way he spoke, but I can't really see any other way they could have got the story across in a way that English speaking children could understand.If you're looking for gritty realism you won't find it here, but if that's the case get outta the family section and grab something based on a true story. If you're after a story of hope and courage - family style - then you're on the right track with this one.

tedg Spoilers herein.This is an absolutely dreadful film in every way except for the appearance of the remarkable Dunst.She has turned out to be an ordinary adult actress, but as a child she was spellbinding. Here, the role is undemanding, but see the mark of a good actress in that she gives more than the pedestrian director demands.Part of that young talent was in understanding how to create and use the `Lolita mouth,' that reverse smile that can persist through the whole character. It is derived from a pout but turned into a token of engaged personality. We lost something when she grew up.Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 4: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.

pritch-3 This is an entertaining family movie, with gorgeous scenery and wonderful native music throughout. While the plot gets a little far-fetched in spots, it is still fun to watch. Kirsten Dunst turned in a terrific performance, and the subtle moral lesson is an added bonus.My only real problem with this movie is the repeated reference to the Kodiak. This movie takes place in British Columbia, Canada, but the Kodiak Bear (a sub-species of the Brown or Grizzly Bear) is only found on the isolated Kodiak Island, Alaska.