Lost on a Mountain in Maine: Movie Review & Giveaway

Lost on a Mountain in Maine is coming to movie theaters starting November 1st!

Synopsis

Based on the bestselling book by the same name, Lost on a Mountain in Maine is now an exciting new feature film! It’s the inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who, separated from his family amid a fast-moving mountaintop storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine days – with no supplies – in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. The boy’s disappearance sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds of volunteers, including his own father, who fears he may never see his son again.

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes

Rated PG: thematic elements, peril, brief language, injury images

Cast & Crew

Luke David Blumm – Donn Fendler, the boy
Paul Sparks – Donald Fendler, the Dad
Caitlin FitzGerald – Ruth Fendler, the Mom
Griffin Wallace Henkel – Ryan Fendler, the brother
Ethan Slater – Henry
Bates Wilder – the Ranger

Sylvester Stallone – Producer
Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger – Director
Luke Paradise – Screenplay Writer

Background

Donn Fendler was a 12-year-old boy from Rye, New York, who became famous in 1939 after getting separated from his family during a day hike on Mount Katahdin in Maine. He survived alone in the wilderness for nine days without food or proper clothing before being found, dehydrated and exhausted, but otherwise relatively unscathed. His story captured national attention and was featured in newspapers and magazines, including LIFE Magazine. Donn later wrote a book about his ordeal titled Lost on a Mountain in Maine, which has become a classic children’s book. Fendler lived a long life, passing away in 2016 at the age of 90. His legacy continues through his book, the annual Donn Fendler Day celebrated in Maine, and now this movie. Mark your calendars to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters starting November 1st!

Review

I love wilderness survival stories, and this one is incredible because it’s true! The movie was made by Balboa Productions, an independent film company founded by Sylvester Stallone, so you know it’s going to be good! Just like the Hollywood icon was made famous by his underdog “tough guy” role as Rocky Balboa, Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a story of determination and perseverance in the face of impossible odds. This movie features realistic period sets as well as timeless natural landscapes. It isn’t your typical adventure movie about a brave protagonist who goes above and beyond. It’s more of an introspective movie about the human condition, family relationships, and character development. The trek is both a physical journey and one of personal growth for 12-year-old Donn Fendler, as he fights to survive a life-or-death situation — digging deep inside himself for the courage and strength to overcome his fears — while at the same time, he can’t help but reflect on the broken relationship with his dad, whom he may never see again.

This movie was actually filmed in New York’s Hudson River Valley, not in Maine. Still, the exquisite nature photography is wonderful to see on the big screen. The closeups make you feel like you’re right there, so it’s just as much of an adventure for the audience. The creative cinematography helps viewers experience the same sense of isolation, confusion, and disorientation as Donn Fendler. You know how nighttime wildlife sounds can be really scary? The boy has a vivid imagination and he even starts seeing things. If you’ve ever gone hiking on a mountain trail, or spent a night in the woods, you know what it’s like. Try doing that all by yourself, for days on end, while hungry and cold — and Donn is only 12 years old! This movie is true to life, showing him get dirtier and more haggard looking as each day goes by on his long arduous trek.

While the movie focuses on young Donn Fendler’s perspective, it also highlights the bond of brotherly love (even though the two brothers were always fighting!). Moreover, it demonstrates the parents’ anguish for their lost son, including the guilt of a father who had struggled in the past to express love for his son. Not to mention, there are all the people who came to the rescue, most of whom were perfect strangers who risked their own lives to go out searching for the boy. Plus others who were praying for him. The casting department did a great job choosing the actors. I’m especially impressed with Paul Sparks, who masterfully portrayed how the stern but worried dad in his own way showed emotion despite his stoicism. Luke David Blumm’s acting was awesome, too, with his role dependent on a lot of body language and facial expressions since he was alone in the woods for most of the time. I loved it when he marched along singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” at the top of his lungs. Donn’s father had always told him, “When things get tough, press on,” and that’s exactly what Donn did. The part where he almost gives up hope but picks himself up and keeps going will have a powerful impact on anyone facing a difficult challenge.

Admittedly, Donn was headstrong and rebellious, which often got him into trouble. As his brother said in frustration, he acted like “a little sh*t.” (The only swear word in the whole movie.) So it was kind of his own fault that he got lost, but at the same time, it was his stubborn nature that helped him stay alive. Luckily he doesn’t get too badly hurt, but he has a bloody foot and at one point he gets covered with leeches. He also attempts to eat a raw fish and gets the perfect grossed-out expression on his face. As for his survival skills, he did manage to find a stream and follow it. But I was surprised to see him laying on top of the leaves on the forest floor at night, his body totally exposed to the cold air. I would have covered myself with leaf litter to at least get some insulation. But that’s the only bone I have to pick with this movie. I highly recommend it!

Watch this touching family film in theaters starting November 1st! Click here to learn more about the Lost on a Mountain in Maine movie, including information on getting tickets for shows in your area.

Trailer

Links

Website: Lost on a Mountain in Maine

Twitter: @BlueFox_Ent

Facebook: @BlueFoxEnt

Instagram: @lost_on_a_mountain_in_maine @blue_fox_entertainment

YouTube: @bluefoxentertainment9742

Giveaway

The sponsor is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky Homeschooling Teen reader! Simply leave a comment below for a chance to win. NOTE: Winners will need to submit their full name and email address by 11:59pm on 11/1/24. We will not be able to accept winners submitted after this date. This giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only, who haven’t already won another giveaway for this campaign. (Comments are moderated, so please be patient for yours to show up if you haven’t commented before.)

Disclosure

Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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7 Comments

Add a Comment
  1. This sounds like a great movie. I would love to see it.

  2. Thanks for your review! I love hiking in the mountains.

  3. Great review! Keep up the good work.

  4. Thanks for the opportunity and the review.

  5. Good review of the movie. I agree that laying under the leaves would have kept someone warmer than laying on top but it worked out in the end. 😉

  6. Thank you for the movie review. It sounds very interesting.

  7. The movie sounds interesting and educational.

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