Secret of the Cave (2006) User Reviews

average movie should be in mystery, not adventure

[JOhlendorf · 5/10 · 30 September 2007]

This is rather a mystery then an adventure Movie.

I am generally careful with movies where the main character is a little boy. There are good ones, like "tom sawyer", where you are with him the whole time, and his actions/reaction make sense. But most of these movies tend to have a mediocre acting main character. They often also have allot of scenes where i find myself thinking "why would he do that/go there/say this?". This movie belongs to this 2nd type.

Do not get me wrong, its a watchable movie, where many side characters are casted and acted great. But it has it long boring parts and there are the "what/why the ..." parts.

What me annoyed the most, is that the frame story is completely unconnected to the main plot, but for some reason it comes back and back into the movie. With no real influence.

(please excuse bad grammar, English is not my native language.)

Par for the course afternoon special.

[Bernie4444 · 5/10 · 23 January 2024]

The story deals with weighty subjects and foreign lands. Toss in mystery and mysterious goings-on and you have "Secret of the Cave."

The parents are having a dispute, and the father has a business meeting, so they pawn their son off on the uncle in Ireland. Before you know it, the kid is wrapped up in a mystery of a dead man that seems to still be doing good deeds.

We follow the clues and try to discover the secrets of the cave with the boy.

In the process, the boy comes of age. And we may learn something useful in our journeys through life. It follows the formula of a Joseph Campbell journey.

For Kids Of All Ages

[Lechuguilla · 28 November 2007]

What do you do if you're a twelve year old boy, dumped by your dad at your uncle's place in a remote Irish village by the sea? Well, you go explore, naturally. And in "Secret Of The Cave", said exploration takes the form of investigating mysterious random acts of kindness by person, angel, or ghost unknown, that somehow relates to a nearby cave that is haunted, according to the locals.

This film has a lot going for it. It is beautifully filmed, with some great scenery. That majestic cave entrance is breathtaking. And the cave interior looks reasonably authentic. The film's casting and acting are acceptable. And production design is great, especially the inside of the village shop.

Reminiscent of all those Nancy Drew mysteries, "Secret Of The Cave" is harmless, diversionary fun aimed mostly at kids. The quest is to find or to discover some hidden treasure or uncover some secret.

In this film there is no violence, no sex, no repellent four-letter words, by design, I'm sure, a factor important to the film's target audience. What I found marvelously refreshing was the absence, the total absence, of ... television. Not one single scene showed a TV set. Wonderful!

The main weakness of the film is the script. Plot contrivances and convenient coincidences propel the plot, early on. In addition, the lead character (Roy) seems too composed and restrained, given the turmoil between his mom and his dad. Further, I do think the story's underlying inspirational theme is a tad overplayed. A little bit of sporting rebellion or general chaos would have added a touch of realism to a story that excels at good intent.

Overall, "Secret Of The Cave" is a technically well made film, one that has both entertainment value for kids, and an uplifting moral theme, appreciated by adults and especially parents with "heartland" values.

Who is the intended audience ????????

[merklekranz · 2/10 · 18 February 2010]

The gorgeous Irish sea cliffs are beautifully photographed, and the tiny fishing village is depicted perfectly. What is not so perfect is the story of the "Secret of the Cave". The cave is just sort of an afterthought for most of the film, and really doesn't figure until the conclusion. Eighty percent of the movie involves a really shallow script that plays like an extended Sunday School lesson, trying to unravel some mysterious acts of kindness. If all this sounds boring, it is. Adults will be dozing off after the first fifteen minutes, with the children not far behind. What you are left with is some gorgeous scenery, some kind of a religious message, and a boring movie. - MERK

An accidental delivery... yikes.

[Lando-was-a-PIMP · 3/10 · 11 November 2007]

This was accidentally delivered to me by an online DVD rental site. Given that I didn't have the movie I wanted (which ironically was the dark comedy "Saved"), I decided to give it a go. I couldn't get past the first 20 minutes. I realize this is a family film, and I normally enjoy adventure-themed movies. It doesn't bother me that a Christian group produced it. I don't have a problem with Christianity in general. It's just that the film was so BORING. The little redheaded girl was a terrible actress. The storyline was slow-moving. Again I realize this was a film geared towards children, but if I was a parent I don't think I could have suffered through it with my kids.

Not quite good at all

[sda-missionary · 1/10 · 18 February 2010]

The only reason I am giving this film 2 stars instead of 1 is the music. The film had little to do with the original story which really bummed me out. The book is such a classic, kept me on the edge of my seat as a child. The film does not even give the book justice. And random scary scenes with coffins and flashing lights... looks like a bad afterthought. If they would have captured the essence of the book without trying to make a "movie".... they would have made a great movie. I appreciate family films with good morals and sweet stories... this film bored me to death. Not worth it. Another thing, they gave the movie a "prince Caspian" ending. Having a girl character instead of a girl removed much of the "young boys having fun" relationship between characters and then the girl gave the boy a kiss at the end?

A decent film with a decent plot, but don't expect it to be a Blockbuster

[stlmbrsn · 7/10 · 12 July 2008]

I rented this movie after finding a single copy in Blockbuster (I had never heard of it before then). I expected the movie to be what a student movie usually is, not worth seeing in a theatre, but fine for a Friday movie marathon at home. In the end, I found myself satisfied. Congratulations to the students who brought this movie to life. They created a clean movie without a single cuss word (that's a first :}), but it has the same mystery/adventure moments as a higher rated flick.

Howvever, I can see how people would find the movie misleading in the religious aspects. I didn't expect these themes either, but I enjoyed finding a little spirituality in this student film. I had no idea that the film was based on 7th day adventists' beliefs. The film seemed to be more general in the religious themes than centered on a certain religion. Also, the religious themes did not overpower the story of the entire movie. The mysterious symbol in the film was the main religious theme of the movie. There were a few scenes involving a preacher and inside a church, but other than that the main theme seemed to be paying it forward.

Overall, the movie had fine acting for a student film. The Irish actors were good (I'm biased though because I love their accents :}). Roy, the young protagonist of the film, was cast well. I agree with the director of the film in that you could see what he was thinking and feeling even when he was silent. I found the ending satisfying in that the mysterious giver was not actually a ghost. I tend to like more realistic endings when it comes to mystery/adventure movies.

To conclude, the movie was not worth spending fifty bucks on to see in a theatre, but it was perfectly fine for a lazy Friday night at home marathon, if one longs to see a clean film with a touch of religion.

Thanks! :}

All I Want to say is ...UGH

[brokensilent · 1/10 · 21 April 2008]

I rented this as a substitute for another family movie I wanted to see but it was out and I thought this might be a reasonable replacement. Five minutes into the movie and I knew that I was wrong. It starts out with a kid's parents just abandoning him without any intelligent explanation to either the child or us as the audience. My husband's reaction, "Great, a badly written storyline with even worse acting". And it only got stinkier, so to speak. The plot had as many holes as swiss cheese, was written poorly and though the main character was almost believable, he didn't quite come across as the lost soul that this movie obviously wants to make him. Not only was it poorly done movie but it was a trick, it's a preachy movie that made me roll my eyes. By the time I was done watching it, I had to call my husband to let him know that the movie only got worse. I had to call him because after twenty minutes or so, we were all bored and quit watching it the first time. I can't stand not watching a movie all the way through so I wasted more time and rewashed the film. If you're looking for a cheesy religious movie that comes across as being on the level of the old renditions of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and is meant to bedazzle you with scenery and nothing else, this is it. Enjoy. Personally, when I want to get my religious kicks, I'll watch something with a little or perhaps just any substance and watch anything else. No one in my family, not even my children, enjoyed this movie but I guess that's the way some "moving" movies are.

Great family film

[ryandvan-1 · 7/10 · 13 April 2007]

I'm a tough critic, so I'm giving this a seven even though this really was quite an excellent film. The color and photography were AMAZING, the cast was superb, and the story was captivating and original. In this adventure, there were some real moments of suspense with a sprinkling of tasteful humor. There was a definite message to the film (the joy of giving), with Christian content, but it didn't come off as preachy or contrived. It felt quite native to the story and appropriate, though the points weren't made quite as clearly and compellingly as they could have been. Other then a few little technical slip-ups the film was made quite professionally. My primary little gripe was with the overall flow and feel of the film. It seemed to move at Mach 5 with almost no rest (though the actual story moved a bit slow). With no shot seeming to last more then five seconds the whole way through, it came off a bit jostling (WAY to much cutting and cramming). Some of the points of the story could have also been set up little better and worked into, rather then slammed in our faces. The actors all looked unbelievably nice and clean, and so much seemed to work out just perfectly that I almost felt more that I was watching actors then seeing a real true life story being played out (translation: not the most believable story, but fun nonetheless). Also a few consistency issues: why didn't the dad have an Irish accent? Why did his Irish son look so tan and exotic?

Overall, great job. Can't wait to see what's next. A quality film.

The dumbest movie you will ever see.

[bustmychaps · 2/10 · 3 April 2009]

This movie was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. A friend of mine watched it with me and fell asleep within twenty minutes after watching it. BORING. This was supposed to be an adventure?? What adventure?

And the end resolution was completely disappointing. It went on and on and on and on and on...and then dragged on some more...even when the answer to the whole mystery of the movie was revealed an hour before its end!

Very unoriginal and uncreative. The dialogue and most of the characters were cheesy, unrealistic, and undeveloped. PLEASE get better scriptwriters next time and a more creative director! This is amateur film-making at its best. Sorry, director 'Zach Gray,' but your film was 'gay.'

Quality family values & a fun mystery!

[sunnynicole7 · 8/10 · 16 November 2007]

Secret of the Cave (adapted from the beloved book) is an engaging tale of a young American boy finding mystery, friends, and a better view of life while spending time with some newly discovered relatives in a small town in Ireland.

Emphasizing good moral values, themes of unselfish service, and innocent fun--this movie is a great choice for your family's next movie night.

No particular Christian denomination is portrayed, so no have no worries about being introduced to any controversial theology.

The movie seems to move somewhat slowly, but as you watch it, you gain an appreciation for the gentle pace of life in this village; and it is appropriately echoed in the patient pace of the storyline.

Enjoy.

Cinematography pretty much all it has going for it

[zenbob-3 · 1/10 · 31 May 2008]

A great disappointment, Secret Of The Cave. Terrible script, plot holes you could drive a truck through, and marginal acting. Patrick Bergin, the film's topline name, is in two scenes and approximately three minutes of film time.

In the end, the film could have been better on almost every front -- though the cinematography is pleasant and professional -- and I couldn't help feeling that watching it had stolen a couple of hours I'd never get back. Semi-professional and quasi-competent is so much more maddening than good or bad.

For those who call it a feel good movie, perhaps they were able to overlook the truly mediocre film-making to the story, such as it was. I was not.

Truly Moving Picture

[tollini · 10/10 · 24 October 2006]

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

Roy, a Seattle-raised young teenager, is dropped off or abandoned for the summer by his distant father in a small, remote, ancestral fishing village in Ireland. Even though the people of the village are warm and friendly, though eccentric, and the landscape is drop-dead gorgeous, Roy is not happy with his situation.

But quickly Roy finds a mystery to solve. The superstitious townspeople believe in ghosts, and even Roy see ghosts – or something like ghosts. Roy vows to "…figure out what's going on around here." The ghosts appear to do good things for the villagers such as dropping off food to the needy, repairing church bells, fixing fishing boats, repairing watches, and more. Who are these ghosts and why are they doing this? The answer seems to revolve around a cave on the edge of the ocean.

With courage and heroism, Roy faces his fears and begins the coming-of-age chapter in his life.

FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart Award winners as well as other Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.

Great choice for anyone who doesn't despise Christian-themed movies

[pmg2-1 · 10/10 · 8 September 2007]

I too have just watched the movie and am very impressed with it. The message is uplifting and does not promote any one particular brand of Christianity; in fact, it is a message that anyone, Christian or not, can espouse simply as a moral person.

As for those who trash it just because it's Christian: the logo appearing at the beginning of the video clearly states that this was made by Seventh-day Adventists. So you know upfront that this will likely be a Christian-themed movie. You also know that you despise movies like this. So why oh why did you waste your time on it in the first place? But if you are looking for a good faith-based film that you can watch with your kids, this is an excellent choice.

Great Family Film, That gets better the more you watch

[mbuttler · 9/10 · 31 August 2007]

I work in a video store and am required to watch movies in order to advise customers. So I brought The Secret of the Cave home with me unsure of what it was going to be like. I really thought it was going to be a cheesy poorly written and directed film. I was very impressed starting from the opening scene which shows the beautiful Irish seaside. To the realness of a hurting child going through divorce (I also thought that the boy who played Roy was a little to dark to be Irish, I thought that his mother would have been Native American.) As a mother and a Christian (I am not seventh day Adventist) I am constantly looking for movies that my whole family can enjoy together. And this is one of those. As I watched this movie I was reminded of myself watching Escape From Witch Mountian as a child. It has that kind of innocence about it.

I was also impressed when I found out that this film was done mostly by students at a college. I can't wait to see what other projects they come out with.

Overall a very excellent job. Movie worth renting. It's not the another movie about a mass murder, or a teenage love movie. It doesn't have Will Ferrell any where in the credits. And that's what makes this movie worth watching...it's original.

a great story that keeps you guessing till the end

[schwandes · 10/10 · 28 October 2007]

this film has it all, great humor, a solid message and mystery - the acting was natural - the footage captured the beauty of the landscape - and although it has a spiritual message it did not try to beat you with it over the head - and as a non Christian i really appreciate that - if you are looking for a movie you can watch with the whole family, hoping to not be exposed to inappropriate language or pictures, this is one you should not miss.

i watched it twice and knowing the outcome did not take away from its beauty - in fact knowing the end made the movie enjoyable on a different level and i recommend you see it twice.

Good, positive family fare

[leblumax · 9/10 · 10 February 2008]

Not pointedly Adventist. Though I wouldn't have a problem if it was.

And I can't see how anyone would fault it for it's message.

It's a very good, moral to the story, type of movie.

My wife and I highly recommend it. We plan to find the book and read it to see how "true to the story" it was.

Our son is a college student majoring in Film.

We plan to find it and buy it for him.

We hope more people will see this movie and will be passing the info to our church for listing in the library there.

Larry B.

Excellent film for the whole family

[thegeorges2 · 10/10 · 16 August 2007]

This is a film with a message, and one of my criteria for a film with a message is that the story has to stand on it's own feet as a story even without the message. This film succeeds in that, while at the same time delivering a message that is easy to understand without hitting you over the head.

So much for theoretical considerations. On the more practical side, the movie was beautifully shot, and featured solid acting on the part of the major characters. The intended audience (my kids) enjoyed it and, in spite of "some brief scary images", they weren't scared. That's saying something since my daughter (8 yr old) is scared by most kids movies that come out these days!

So overall a good film for the whole family!

btw - the comment by "helbok-1" seems to have confused 7th-Day Adventists with Jehovah's Witnesses, who publish the Watchtower, and are known for knocking on doors.

For even godless sorts like me.

[sus3337 · 9/10 · 2 April 2019]

You don't have to be religious to appreciate what this story actually is about. It certainly is concerning what a young boy with divorcing parents is facing, but it's also about our place in our families, our communities and in life. We all have to face the realities and setbacks that life throws at us, but this movie is a kind of "how to" instruction manual, and we sure don't get many of those along the way. I suppose that people who are religious see this movie as expressing "God's love" and how mankind benefits from it. What I see is the basic humanity of people and how it's up to us to make sure that is what we pass on to our children and to everyone we touch.

Great movie for the whole family!

[froglady99 · 10/10 · 18 July 2009]

When I was a kid, I read the book this movie was based on, and I was excited to find out that it was being made into a movie. Knowing that it was made mostly by college students, I wasn't sure what the quality would be like, but I was sure I'd like it well enough that I bought it without watching it first. I was a little disappointed that the movie didn't stay closer to the original story--for example, the story took place in Scotland and the girl in the movie was actually a boy in the original story--but the movie is still very good. I was pleasantly surprised to see the professional quality of this movie, and of course the music and scenery were awesome. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who's looking for a good clean movie that's still fun and interesting.

Not for the hardhearted

[scothia · 9/10 · 5 July 2019]

Movie viewers have become satiated, cynical, and ice cold. At least that explains the number of one-star reviews for this film which I found completely charming and emotionally engaging. I'm giving it 9/10 for the scenery, music, and story itself.