I would not call Caravan of Courage (1984) bad exactly. It has some charm reminiscent of The Hobbit or an old, dark fairy tale. The Ewoks aren't annoying as they are in Return of the Jedi. The plot does meander but there are cool moments, like a creepy monster spider in the climactic battle.
The only thing that keeps this movie from rating a respectable seven out of ten with me are the kid actors. The little girl playing Cindel is wooden as can be, but considering she was five years old, I can forgive her a little, especially when she improved so much in the sequel. The official protagonist, Mace, however, is just obnoxious. Actually, I won't blame the boy playing him; he does well with what he is given and let me tell you it is not much. Mace is whiny and rude. I so wanted to slap him and he changes at the last minute.
Otherwise this is a competent movie; however, its sequel, The Battle for Endor, is much superior, with a stronger sense of fantasy, emotion, and character.
The only thing that keeps this movie from rating a respectable seven out of ten with me are the kid actors. The little girl playing Cindel is wooden as can be, but considering she was five years old, I can forgive her a little, especially when she improved so much in the sequel. The official protagonist, Mace, however, is just obnoxious. Actually, I won't blame the boy playing him; he does well with what he is given and let me tell you it is not much. Mace is whiny and rude. I so wanted to slap him and he changes at the last minute.
Otherwise this is a competent movie; however, its sequel, The Battle for Endor, is much superior, with a stronger sense of fantasy, emotion, and character.