The River Wild (1994)

Living for the Cinema

Thirty years ago, director Curtis Hanson (LA Confidential, 8 Mile) helped introduce us to what was seemed like a very novel concept on-screen for the first time: "MERYL STREEP, ACTION HERO." Up until this point, Streep had already been nominated for multiple awards along with winning several - she was and still IS considered Our Greatest Living Actress who had delivered memorable performances in mostly serious dramas though in more recently years (in the early '90's) had often branched off into comedy including recent gems like Death Becomes Her and Postcards From the Edge. This adventure thriller set alongside the rapids of a river in Montana was the actress' first real stab at action on-screen....and she did not disappoint playing Gail, an expert rower and rafter who was taking her family (David Strathairn, Joseph Mazzello) for a trip on very dangerous river. Of course, things do not go as planned as they soon encounter a couple of armed killers lead by Kevin Bacon who are fleeing a recent robbery. And what results could somewhat be described as "Die Hard on the Rapids" even featuring Streep and crew performing most of their own stunts.
Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon
Producer: Marlene Gershon

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