Cast
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Crew
Director
- Aaron Burns
Writer
- Aaron Burns
- Matt Mikalatos
Producer
- Aaron Burns
- David C. Cook
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Family adventure starts decent, but goes off the rails in the second half_**
A man (Lucas Black) takes his fiancé’s teen daughter and kid boy on a plane ride to win their favor before the marriage, but they end up having to take a long cold hike to the family cabin.
"Legacy Peak" (2022) has great locations and good intentions, but takes a wrong turn at the midway point with the scene involving a ranger station and, unfortunately, never recovers. I don’t blame the actors. The flick needed more time on the script level; and then the actors needed more time working together to make their dialogues & actions feel organic. Worst of all, the thrill-sequences come off unconvincing and klutzy. With 25-30 minutes to go, I just wanted it to end.
That’s too bad because, underneath the amateurishness, there’s a meaty story about a good man overcoming his difficult past and rising to the challenge of righteous fatherhood on the family path. With a little more money and time, this could’ve been a worthwhile production.
For balance, my wife was able to roll with the flick's flaws and somewhat appreciate it; at least enough so that she didn't feel like she wasted her time.
It runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Loveland and Estes Park, Colorado, both of which are an hour’s drive north of Denver, the latter in the mountains and 20 minutes further.
GRADE: C-/D+
Feb 16, 2025
Thematic Analysis
Legacy Peak represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Aaron Burns brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Legacy Peak took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 351 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1407 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: September 22, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
