Into the Grizzly Maze (2015)

***Pretty good bear attack flick with James Marsden, Thomas Jane and Piper Perabo*** Several people coalesce in a region of Alaska called the Grizzly Maze where a rogue bear is on the loose: A local man recently released from prison (James Marsden), his ex-girlfriend (Michaela McManus), his estranged deputy brother (Thomas Jane), the deputy’s photographer wife (Piper Perabo), a half-crazy hunter (Billy Bob Thornton), a compromised sheriff (Scott Glenn) and an AmerIndian poacher (Adam Beach). “Into the Grizzly Maze” (2015) is a bear attack movie and, more generally, a wilderness adventure/thriller. When it comes to these types of films “The Edge” (1997) reigns supreme, as does the brooding “Hold the Dark” (2018), although the latter has no bear (actually “The Edge” is only partially a bear attack movie, as it goes much deeper than that, like “Hold the Dark”). While nowhere near as effective as “The Edge” and “Hold the Dark,” “Into the Grizzly Maze” is about on par with the Indie "Backcountry" (2014) in all-around entertainment; and it’s superior to the prosaic “Grizzly” (1976). Where “Into the Grizzly Maze” excels is the locations and awesome cinematography. This might be the best-looking forest flick ever made. The cast is exceptional too. In these areas it’s superior to all the above movies with the possible exception of “The Edge” where it’s at least on par. The conflict-habituated relationship of the brothers (Marsden and Jane) is amusing and it’s nice to see Piper Perabo again, who was about 38 during shooting and looking better than ever, top to bottom. Meanwhile McManus has a stunning face and mesmerizing eyes. The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot in the Vancouver area, British Columbia, and Big Bear, California (the bar scene). GRADE: B/B-