Far Off Place, A MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: -1/2

In a remote region of current-day Africa, teenager Nonnie Parker (Reese Weatherspoon) lives with her parents on an agricultural plantation. One of her father's friends from New York City comes to visit them with his teenage son, Harry Winslow (Ethan Randall). Tragedy strikes as renegade natives working for a greedy white man kill Nonnie's parents and Harry's father. Nonnie and Harry escape into the countryside and team up with a young native man called Xhabbo (Sarel Bok), who is Nonnie's friend. The three head west for a coastal town across a vast stretch of wilderness and desert. Their exciting adventures include encounters with wild animals and the evil men pursuing them. For a while, it appears they will succumb either to the blistering desert heat or finally to their evil adversary in a cave filled with elephant tusks. A FAR OFF PLACE is a fast-paced, believable adventure which will appeal to both teenagers and adults. It has many spectacular scenes of the African landscape and animals to complement its adventure and romance. As an added attraction, a short cartoon, TRAIL MIXUP, precedes the film. It features the many painful mishaps of Roger Rabbit while baby-sitting Baby Herman at a wilderness campground. A sexy female park ranger insures that sex is present along with the violent theme of the cartoon.

Disney Productions has produced this youth-oriented film with a minimum of offensive elements. Although Nonnie and Harry care for each other, they do not become involved sexually. Also, when Nonnie puts on an animal skin blouse given her by Harry, both Harry and Xhabbo must turn their heads. The film has many characteristics of a G-rated film, but it contains five obscenities, one regular profanity and some shooting violence which require a PG rating. Xhabbo is portrayed as having psychic powers that permit him to hear and see things others cannot and to communicate with animals. One desert scene even implies that he summons up a sand storm with his powers. Nonnie and Harry are responsible teenagers who love their parents and respect nature. The three young people develop a strong camaraderie during their hazardous journey. This outstanding youth adventure is marred only by some limited rough language.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution Co., 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521