Alaska

One critic dubbed this wilderness adventure as "Cliffhanger for kids." Thora Birch (Monkey Trouble, Now and Then) and budding teenzine poster boy Vincent Kartheiser star as siblings who venture into the Alaskan wilderness to find their father (Dirk Benedict), a downed pilot. They are joined by an orphaned polar bear cub (Cubby) that the plucky duo liberate from a poacher. There are enough frothy rapids and craggy slopes to keep young teens on the edge of their seats, and Cubby is good for some "awwwws" from younger viewers. For adults, Charlton Heston, father of director Frasier, has a fine old time as the menacing poacher ("I want that bear," he growls). Optional. (K. Lee Benson)