The Canyon 2009

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times: If well-meaning people didn't make stupid choices -- and if cellphones worked everywhere -- way fewer vacation-from-hell thrillers would probably be made. Read more

Ty Burr, Boston Globe: The Canyon is so singularly inept it gives you a whole new appreciation for the ept. Read more

Andrew Schenker, L.A. Weekly: Another one for the bad-stuff-happens-to-stupid-people file, The Canyon might at least offer the satisfaction of a few squirmy thrills, if it weren't so insistent on treating its central couple's plight as the stuff of high tragedy. Read more

Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle: The best thing about this would-be nature thriller is Will Patton's zesty performance as a cackling, crazed muleskinner, a wily old hand who exits far too soon. There's nothing much to replace him, so we're in for a long 102 minutes. Read more

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Hint to newlyweds: Don't honeymoon in a primeval wilderness populated by diamondback rattlesnakes, aggressive wolves and alcoholic wilderness guides. Read more

Rob Nelson, Variety: The Canyon could be named for the gaping expanse between its preposterously silly dialogue and sturdy, at times urgent direction. Read more