The movie is a double treat because it offers plenty to those (usually me) who like to nit pick at the flaws in a movie, and it also offers plenty to those who want to sit back and relax and enjoy the movie's complex plot, enjoyable characters and happy family ending (as I do for the film). To enjoy the many fine qualities of the movie, you have to shrug-off the many small absurdities and filler in the plot. For example the story tells us that the two leads are expert experienced outdoors-men and trackers, so I believe it. Thus, it doesn't bother me when I see some amateurish moves on their part — like letting some bad guys walk away from an encounter in a saloon; and being shot at in the open so many times and surviving unhurt. There are a lot of unlikely plot coincidences that I just brush off.I know IMDb has its own method to get a rating average, but I think this film should have a higher average. I see that about 150 voters gave 6 or better, and about 75 gave it 5 or worse — so how did it end up with a 5.7 average? For me the movie is an unexpected pleasure. I agree with those who laugh at the stupid title to the movie, that has nothing to do with anything in the movie — "Desolation Canyon."

First off, I enjoy westerns, that said, this is a very interesting modern western with a modern theme. I see how this could happen today and in the past. We don't have many movies that teach good morals these days. This movie brings out the blessings and hardships of having family and being a friend. It is nice to see the horse play and phrases that the cowboys would have used and the settings of the old west. A catchy line or two brings out the charm and creates a feeling of understanding. The directing was a little bland and made it seam like another old western at times. I would look forward to more work like this with a more modern directing theme to it. Look for more work by this writer. I felt it was fresh and witty with very little diversion from the quest we were on. Love, hate, violence, vengeance and of course greed played out well. But also present was duty, honor, family, friendship and the pride of doing what is right also played deep into this production. For a family movie, I would suggest (and I have) to my friends and family. Hallmark has pulled off another wonderful family movie that will entertain and enrich families.

Desolation Canyon is quite possibly the worst "made for TV movie" I've seen in the past 10 years. The writing was very amateurish and predictable. Patrick Duffy is totally unbelievable as a "cowboy" and Stacey Keach delivered so many ridiculous lines that I constantly had to remind myself that it wasn't his fault that the movie was so bad. I actually snickered a few times at the ridiculous writing and by the end of the movie I was hoping someone would say "Let's head them off at the pass!!" I have long maintained that the most important aspect of any movie is NOT the acting but rather the writing. I also maintain that more recognition should be given scriptwriters than actors at the Academy Awards. Well, the writers of Desolation Canyon should probably have their writing credentials suspended until they can show some originality. Hallmark can do much better than this and usually does; shame on you Hallmark for foisting Desolation Canyon on your viewers.b shiznit questions my appreciation for a good movie but I stand by the above review and invite him/her to watch "Broken Trail" with Robert Duvall. AMC aired Broken Trail over two nights and it was simply outstanding. Minimal if any special effects were used and Robert Duvall is most likely going to be nominated for a "Best Actor" award. Broken Trail makes "Desolation Canyon" look like an inferior high school play!! Mr/Mrs Shiznit is obviously easy to please.

Desolation Canyon is a great movie; however, don't watch it if you don't have an appreciation for movies or only see the worst in everything. I would imagine that those posting negative comments on this movie simply don't understand thoughtful writing and would be more receptive if the writers broke the mold of a western and never got it produced. If you enjoy Westerns with a little bit of thinking and a feeling of a good old fashioned moving picture, you will enjoy Desolation Canyon. If you enjoy your movies to have super-heroes, crazy special effects and astronomical budgets, you will NOT enjoy Desolation Canyon.