Coyote Summer (1996)

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Not a bad movie, but rather predictable. Callie (Vinessa Shaw) has trouble with her mom, goes away for the summer, sulky and determined not to enjoy herself. Despite this, she is drawn into the training of a lively horse, along with an attractive ranch hand (Adam Beach). This territory has been covered before, in a much more interesting fashion, in the exceptional Australian film, The Man from Snowy River. However, that film is bit more mature, with more of a romance angle, whereas this one is tamer and more for teens. Bonus in Coyote Summer, in my opinion, in the inclusion of some Native American culture, when Callie goes with Rafe to his grandfather's birthday party. I had hoped for a bit more of that perspective in the movie and I think it would have been more appealing with it. Overall, the movie is worth watching, as long as you keep your expectations low.

Teenage Callie has a wild streak. When her mother goes to London on business, she sends Callie to her sister's ranch for a dose of hard work and responsibility. Callie is sullen, at first, naturally, but perks up at the sight of a beautiful but wild black horse. When she overhears of the horse's destruction, due to his inability to be tamed, she arranges to steal the horse with a fellow ranch hand named Rafe. In hiding, the two begin to calm the horse and start his training. It works. But, will their hideaway be discovered? This is a nice story for teenagers with beautiful scenery. Callie's fast track to being a great rider is not too believable, but her determination to better herself and the lovely horse are genuine. All of the supporting actors, including Adam Beach as Rafe, are an added bonus. If you have teenage children or want to show a worthy movie to a group of teenagers with some character building ingredients, this is not a bad choice at all. It's lovely setting and storyline of empowering teens will be welcomed by all.

COYOTE SUMMER is a decent "family" film you can sit around and watch, and it's more than just a plain vanilla outing with canyonous country landscapes. While nothing much is totally different, the fine plot and great acting tags your interest. In general, the movie doesn't mean to be cruel-hearted with city girl Callie, but her loving care and lessons with the black stallion are significant. Like other movies in this category, there always has to be some sort of villain hanging around to spoil the naturally kind integrity of it all. This is nearly the full case here, but in the end, reward and redemption prevails. A winning drama that is a pleasure for the young or old, and one of the better "family" movies I've watched.