Excel and Ryan Little remind us what a fun family adventure looks like with this new action film.

Outlaw Trail is out on DVD now. Read our review below…

Did you grow up with fun action films like Indiana Jones and Goonies? Ever wondered what happened to the genre? I’ve been disappointed for years that these films have fallen out of Hollywood favor.

Ryan Little, best known for Saints and Soldiers shows his storytelling savvy, leading us on an action-packed ride that’s funny, mysterious and entertaining. And it couldn’t be more welcome in a time when the family adventure flick has become a lost art.

The plot is based around the mysterious demise of the legendary Butch Cassidy. The film digs in to a gray area in the bandit’s past: his end that may or may not have happened the way the history books record.

Young Roy Parker (Ryan Kelly), nephew to Butch sets out on an adventure in search of treasure and piece of mind. Like any good adventure, he’s accompanied by a trusty sidekick Jess (Dan Byrd) who provides support, counsel and humor just when each are needed. Not without the love-interest, Ellie (Arielle Kebbel) and villain, the story is complete.

The movie isn’t long (90 minutes), but the story moves well. Sub-plots and characters get the time they need to develop and I wasn’t disappointed in the finale. There are enough twists and turns (and action) to make the movie interesting.

You won’t find any super-incredible computer effects, but that is actually a relief. Only subtle clues in the film, including a couple awkward dialogue moments remind you this isn’t a high-budget project. The crew has done a marvelous job with their resources.

The movie follows the classic adventure formula, so it is predictable at parts, and cheesy at others, but most viewers won’t mind. The movie really is “one the whole family can enjoy” - it won’t bore anyone, and thankfully you won’t have to explain to your kids the behavior of characters that don’t share your values.

I really like the film. It is good, clean fun - a film I can pull out an enjoy again when I’m feeling adventure-starved.

Pick it up at Amazon.