By Dawn's Early Light (2001 TV Movie) User Reviews

Captains Courageous meets My life as a House meets All the Pretty Horses?

[Havan_IronOak · 8/10 · 18 July 2002]

This well crafted tale of a young man's coming of age under the guidance of his grandfather breaks no new ground but is a life affirming family movie. There are a few corny scenes and not all of the youth's reformation seems motivated but the film is well acted and moves along and doesn't get too bogged down with corn.

In this Icon driven culture, the ending scene was almost predictable but was moving none-the-less.

I'm a sucker for this type of film but overall, I'd say anyone would feel the film is worth the time and effort.

Good Watch, regardless of what there is to watch.

[shammaz_10 · 8/10 · 25 August 2008]

This movie definitely exceeded my expectations...

Although it was made in 2000, it had a sense of the past in it. It was a really touching movie left me with tears in the end. I'm not ashamed to say it was really moving and inspiring. This movie is for all the people who do in fact feel like they've never achieved anything. And even more so, it's about family and how important they will be to you in your life-- it's about respecting those around you,especially your family.

It's about becoming a man-- for all the boys.

It's about accepting responsibility and being grateful for what you have.

It's about being honest.

Never have I seen a movie like this, because admittedly I'm not a big fan of cowboy movies-- and now I am! However, as good as the movie was, it did have its flaws. Throughout the movie, there were really short scenes not quite elaborating on events taking part outside this journey with Mike and Ben- such as with Mikes' parents.

If these scenes were elaborated on, perhaps this movie could've been better, although longer.

All in all, a terrific watch.

I'm glad I took a day off Uni :D

Worth Watching if in the Mood

[lawrence_f · 7/10 · 15 April 2001]

Uplifting, if predictable, storyline with a spirited supporting cast and strong performances for a TV movie. Richard Crenna makes a surprisingly good cowboy and grandfather, and Chris Olivero as the smarmy teen becomes more interesting as he evolves. David Carradine and company are involved in the most entertaining scenes in the movie.

Left unresolved are explanations for the ending, and the reunion with the family. The parents are caricatures and seem distant from the story except as plot points.

If you're in the mood for melodrama and nice scenics, catch this when it comes on television.

Awesome movie.

[SaraFer_bsb · 10/10 · 5 December 2006]

This movie let a message really greatly good. The ones who saw this will understand the message. I found this movie really, really, sweet. I saw it today, right now, and I can say it was awesome. I really like it, and the actors played really good their own characters. We could slowly feel what they were feeling. Mike and his grandparent were cold at first, but then they boy learned new stuff and feelings. He learned to be more honest, and in the end when in the end he goes to the beach, with the U.S flag, that was a exciting and sweet moment. I really like this movie, to all readers: I think you shall see it because you will really get surprised.

Beautiful!

[yespis · 8/10 · 23 August 2003]

A deep and sensitive movie about a friendship between an old man and a young boy. The story is very beautiful and it left tears in my eyes. A great movie for " being home feeling sick ". Gotta see it! Beautiful scenery. Lovely nature...

Predictable old fashioned corn.

[=G= · 5/10 · 16 April 2001]

"By The Dawn's Early Light" tells of an L.A. burb brat who's sent to his Grandfather's ranch while his parents go on holiday. There he cops attitude and his Grandfather sets about to give him a cattleman's attitude adjustment. The film's heart is in the right place and it is good family entertainment but be prepared for some seriously corny melodrama.

Predictable but good family movie.

[groverallover · 8/10 · 17 April 2001]

I found this movie on Showtime and found it predictable but a good movie for the entire family. It's a coming of age story about a young boy who has been spoiled all his life living in Los Angeles. His parents go on a 6 week cruise and has to spend his summer with his Grandfather who he hasn't seen in 14 years. Richard Crenna is his crusty old self and it's nice to see David Carradine in a softer role. With a lack of movies you can watch with the entire family these days I think you'll find this movie to fit the bill on family movie night.

Mawkish, cliché-driven, rites-of-passage movie

[RodrigoMMIX · 1/10 · 7 March 2006]

This is the story of Mike (a troubled teenager from L.A.) forced, by his wealthy parents, to spend a summer holiday with his grumpy grandpappy. They set off together across the United States on horseback, via the school of hard knocks, discovering the good life, and teaming up with a bunch of cowboys. During the course of the journey (and accompanied by a great deal of squirming from this viewer), Mike is transformed from a poor spoilt rich kid into a young good ole boy.

Rousing performances from Richard Crenna (as the grandfather) and David Carradine (as the trail boss). Ben Cardinal plays the obligatory Native American with tight-lipped panache and baby-faced Patrick David turns in a credible performance as Mike's new best friend.

Very good !

[Filmreader · 8/10 · 11 February 2020]

Very good for the available money and available special effects of that era. Special effects could be better but overall the message that give that film is important. I saw that film four times and I believe I will see it again and again.