The Last Chance Detectives: Legend Of The Desert Bigfoot

Second in a continuing series of value-oriented kidvids, the Last Chance Detectives here tackle a case that appears to involve a monster cited in southwest Indian lore. A crusty old prospector, turned alcoholic after the death of his son, has an encounter with a strange creature who ransacks his cabin and steals his gold. While the authorities chalk it up to drunken raving, the LCDs find evidence that indicates something out of the ordinary actually did happen. While investigating the prospector's homestead, they find his dog, chained up and near death from dehydration. They take the dog to the vet, against the wishes of the prospector, and here we get the first "value" message, which is reflected throughout the story. To quote the ad copy, "the characters learn the end does not justify the means and that stealing is always the wrong thing to do." This is a fairly close paraphrase of the dialog between Mike and his mother, when she admonishes him for "stealing" the dog and taking him to the vet. In the context of the story, this means that had he done the "right" thing, the dog would have died. The authorities seem disinclined to pay much attention to the drunk, and the dog was near death, so reporting the situation seems unlikely to have been a successful course of action. The value system proposed is beyond the humble abilities of this reviewer to comprehend. In all other respects, however, this is a good show. Lots of action, a villain who could have come straight out of a Tobe Hooper film, engaging story, fine acting overall, and fascinating sets (the LCD's home base is a restored B-17!) Photography and production values are superb. Values, schmalues, this flick is a "steal" at twenty bucks. Suitable for ages 6-12. (E. Swanson)