The film is lovely to look at, but makes not a lick of sense.

If you're one of those people (like this reviewer) who can watch Kris Kristofferson do just about anything, you won't insist on the references being that solid.

Though set in Vermont in the 1930s, this has the feel of a Western -- one with mystical overtones -- and provides a great role for Kris Kristofferson, who's looking well weathered these days.

Jay Craven's stilted adaptation of a novel by Howard Frank Mosher lacks the urgency, the poetry, or the feeling for period that might have brought the material to life, while the cast seems to be largely squandered.

This scenic adventure is too fussy with metaphysical lore.

Shot for only $1.7 million, but it's a thoroughly entertaining, first-class job in every way.

An utterly earnest, likable enough family-focused action-adventure.