Secret of the Cave

This was accidentally delivered to me by an online DVD rental site. Given that I didn't have the movie I wanted (which ironically was the dark comedy "Saved"), I decided to give it a go. I couldn't get past the first 20 minutes. I realize this is a family film, and I normally enjoy adventure-themed movies. It doesn't bother me that a Christian group produced it. I don't have a problem with Christianity in general. It's just that the film was so BORING. The little redheaded girl was a terrible actress. The storyline was slow-moving. Again I realize this was a film geared towards children, but if I was a parent I don't think I could have suffered through it with my kids.

Not pointedly Adventist. Though I wouldn't have a problem if it was.

And I can't see how anyone would fault it for it's message.

It's a very good, moral to the story, type of movie.

My wife and I highly recommend it. We plan to find the book and read it to see how "true to the story" it was.

Our son is a college student majoring in Film.

We plan to find it and buy it for him.

We hope more people will see this movie and will be passing the info to our church for listing in the library there.

Larry B.

The gorgeous Irish sea cliffs are beautifully photographed, and the tiny fishing village is depicted perfectly. What is not so perfect is the story of the "Secret of the Cave". The cave is just sort of an afterthought for most of the film, and really doesn't figure until the conclusion. Eighty percent of the movie involves a really shallow script that plays like an extended Sunday School lesson, trying to unravel some mysterious acts of kindness. If all this sounds boring, it is. Adults will be dozing off after the first fifteen minutes, with the children not far behind. What you are left with is some gorgeous scenery, some kind of a religious message, and a boring movie. - MERK

What do you do if you're a twelve year old boy, dumped by your dad at your uncle's place in a remote Irish village by the sea? Well, you go explore, naturally. And in "Secret Of The Cave", said exploration takes the form of investigating mysterious random acts of kindness by person, angel, or ghost unknown, that somehow relates to a nearby cave that is haunted, according to the locals.

This film has a lot going for it. It is beautifully filmed, with some great scenery. That majestic cave entrance is breathtaking. And the cave interior looks reasonably authentic. The film's casting and acting are acceptable. And production design is great, especially the inside of the village shop.

Reminiscent of all those Nancy Drew mysteries, "Secret Of The Cave" is harmless, diversionary fun aimed mostly at kids. The quest is to find or to discover some hidden treasure or uncover some secret.

In this film there is no violence, no sex, no repellent four-letter words, by design, I'm sure, a factor important to the film's target audience. What I found marvelously refreshing was the absence, the total absence, of ... television. Not one single scene showed a TV set. Wonderful!

The main weakness of the film is the script. Plot contrivances and convenient coincidences propel the plot, early on. In addition, the lead character (Roy) seems too composed and restrained, given the turmoil between his mom and his dad. Further, I do think the story's underlying inspirational theme is a tad overplayed. A little bit of sporting rebellion or general chaos would have added a touch of realism to a story that excels at good intent.

Overall, "Secret Of The Cave" is a technically well made film, one that has both entertainment value for kids, and an uplifting moral theme, appreciated by adults and especially parents with "heartland" values.

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

Roy, a Seattle-raised young teenager, is dropped off or abandoned for the summer by his distant father in a small, remote, ancestral fishing village in Ireland. Even though the people of the village are warm and friendly, though eccentric, and the landscape is drop-dead gorgeous, Roy is not happy with his situation.

But quickly Roy finds a mystery to solve. The superstitious townspeople believe in ghosts, and even Roy see ghosts – or something like ghosts. Roy vows to "…figure out what's going on around here." The ghosts appear to do good things for the villagers such as dropping off food to the needy, repairing church bells, fixing fishing boats, repairing watches, and more. Who are these ghosts and why are they doing this? The answer seems to revolve around a cave on the edge of the ocean.

With courage and heroism, Roy faces his fears and begins the coming-of-age chapter in his life.

FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart Award winners as well as other Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.