LostTreasureoftheGrandCanyon

The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon (2008)

This movie opens up with an expedition of scientists running from some Indians. It seems they have gone somewhere that they really shouldn’t have, since it appears the locals are trying to kill them. If that weren’t enough they run into some sort of monster that starts to kill them and the Indians as well. The action then moves to an archeological dig where we are introduced to Susan, played by Shannen Doherty. It was her father that was leading the expedition and he is long overdue (which of course we the audience know why). With some help she heads off to find out what happened to her father. They eventually find out where her father went and discover the remnants of the Aztec civilization that has been hiding out in the Grand Canyon. Of course they run into the same unfriendly locals and the monster as well! Do they suffer the same fate as the previous expedition or can they escape? Well the first expedition had no “stars” in it and this one has Shannen Doherty and Michael Shanks, so yeah of course they make it!

Okay here is the deal. Is this a good movie? No I suppose not. But I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t have some fun with it, because I did. The story is cheesy and predictable. Not only that but the whole story is ludicrous and impossible, but then there is a flying serpent monster so realism not a big deal here. The Aztecs look like a bunch of extras pulled off the streets and put into a loincloth (which is probably exactly what they are). Also the acting is pretty bad and it is obvious that the “stars” of the movie Doherty and Shanks are just there to collect a paycheck. But in spite of all this I still found some enjoyment with the movie. I’m a big fan of the old serials from the 30s and 40s. You know the ones with the terrible production values and silly stories that were made for the Saturday Matinees at the local theater. This movie has the same sort of cheesy feel to it. From the traps that weed out some of the extras to the silly looking monster the movie has a goofy feel to it that put a smile on my face. Heck there is even a flashback before the big finish to remind you of what just happened, which intended or not is just the sort of thing the old serials used to do.

Bottom line here is sometimes I like crappy movies. I know they aren’t well made, but I just can’t help myself. The Lost Treasure of the Grand Canyon is one of those movies that reminds me of something that I really enjoyed (in this case the old movie serials), and because of that I had a good time watching it. Now I will admit that this won’t be for everyone, but if you are looking for a neat mindless way to spend to kill an evening you could do much worse than this. Though I’m not sure it is worth a purchase, maybe just a rental.

2 ½ out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer