To be expected many people smugly laugh at the picture, calling it unintentionally funny and cheesy. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is actually a character study using the Bigfoot legend as a stage (so don't look too closely at the details of the robbery & cops -- they aren't the focus of the film; besides, it's no where near as bad as this commenter claims). The story and characters are taken seriously and there's no goofiness to be found. The reason some people automatically laugh at it is because the idea of Sasquatch has become a big joke, which is understandable.
The obvious reason for horror fans' disappointment is because they were expecting a mindless slasher flick with Bigfoot in the evil Jason role. The film "Abominable" (2006) is a film along these lines. It's a good film for what it is and there's nothing wrong with this approach, it's just that "Sasquatch Mountain" shoots for something deeper.
The screenplay was written, believe it or not, by Michael Worth who stars in the picture as one of the bank robbers, Vin. The guy comes off as a 35-year-old adolescent who is more likable than scary, even though he has a slight dangerous edge.
POSITIVE ASPECTS:
-- Although the film is a low-budget straight-to-video flick it's a very well-made film, unlike "Sasquatch Hunters" (2005) and "Sasquatch" (2002), which both had some amateurish qualities.
-- The score is great, sometimes even moving, giving the film a palpable reverent quality.
-- Although the set-up is a bit contrived (the way the bank robbers get a hostage and flee on foot), the story starts to pull you in at the half-hour mark when the posse pursues the gang in the woods, both parties ultimately holding-up in a lodge. There are numerous well-written character-defining episodes that successfully capture the viewer's attention.
-- For instance, the lead bank robber, played by Craig Wasson, laments how his father never paid him any attention growing up. I know what you're thinking -- aw, poor baby -- but the film successfully shows the correlation between adult wellness and healthy parental relationships, in particularly with the father-figure. Often children from dysfunctional families spend their entire lives trying to make up for the damage done by clueless parents.
-- I also like the way Wasson and others are shown not totally poisoned by evil, despite being bank robbers. Wasson saves the life of the Sheriff (Rance Howard) without hesitation later in the film. It's a very good scene. Not to mention (as already noted) Michael Worth comes off as more misguided than malevolent; though Lance Henriksen doesn't give in to his charm one bit.
-- To be expected in a character study, the screenplay has some great dialogue and lines. For instance, Wasson states: "No matter how hard you try or how high you get there's always some devil on the mountain waiting to knock you back down" or the Asian girl to Cerina: "Everyone has scars, but not everyone has the option of hiding behind a pretty smile."
-- The film features no less than three beautiful women -- a Brunette (Cerina Vincent), a redhead (Lance's daughter in the story, played by Melanie Monroe) and the Asian bank Robber (Karen Kim) who comes off unattractive only because she's so bitter. Both Cerina and Melanie are magnificent. Melanie is the definition of spirituality.
-- There's a good subplot about Lance Henriksen being a laughingstock for the past 15 years or so. His wife had recorded a vague video of the creature on the day she was killed by a hit-and-run. The video put the town on the map as a tourist attraction but made him an object of ridicule. The story shows his redemption.
-- Although the Sasquatch kills in the story, he is shown in a sympathetic light (unlike "Abominable" and "Sasquatch Hunters") -- a father protecting his mate and newborn.
-- The dvd features a worthwhile 20-minute "Making Of" Documentary.
BOTTOM LINE: I love "Sasquatch Mountain." It may not be "Apocalypse Now" but for a straight-to-video Bigfoot film it's quite good for all the above reasons. It should be given credit for not being another stupid mindless monster flick; the Bigfoot legend is just a frame for something deeper.
Not everyone can look beyond the Sasquatch trappings. I understand this. I could and found it quite moving.
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