Woodyanders Review of Survival Quest

Survival Quest (1988)

An excellent, exciting and unjustly overlooked action drama survivalist winner

[9/10 · 8 May 2007]

A motley assortment of six city folks -- sullen, moody convict Gray (Dermot Mulroney), bitter divorcée Cheryl (an incredibly cute Catherine Keener), amiable old guy Hal (the wonderful Ben Hammer), insensitive macho jerk Jeff (Dominic Hoffman), smartaleck Joey (the hilarious Paul Prevenza), and feisty babe Olivia (the gorgeous Traci Lin) -- embark on an arduous and demanding wilderness adventure. They are whipped into shape by rugged, but compassionate instructor Hank (the always great Lance Henrikson). Things go well for a spell until the group runs afoul of a rival squad of brutish paramilitary goons led by hard-nosed ramrod fanatic Jake (a frighteningly intense Mark Rolston). Our intrepid bunch find themselves in considerable jeopardy after an altercation with the squad and wind up running through the woods for their lives. Writer/director Don Coscarelli, who also gave us the terrific cult horror comedy treat "Bubba Ho-Tep" and the fantastic "Phantasm" pictures, does an expert job of creating characters who are both exceptionally well-drawn and genuinely likable. He also deftly maintains a steady pace and stages several thrilling action scenes with rip-snorting aplomb. The bang-up cast all deliver top-notch performances, with especially stand-out work by Henrikson, Mulroney, Keener, Hammer, Provenza and Rolston. Daryn O'Kada's lovely, golden-hued cinematography, the breathtaking forest scenery, a nice bit by Reggie Bannister (Reggie in the "Phantasm" films) as a charter plane pilot, and the rousing harmonic score by Fred Myrow and Christopher Stone are all likewise fine and impressive. But what makes this movie so special and touching is the engaging chemistry and heartwarming camaraderie that develops amongst the main group of delightfully vivid and appealing protagonists. A real sleeper.