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Shared vacations can make or break a relationship. They can bring people closer together, or they can magnify any strains and challenges. And in Endangered Species, a family’s attempt to settle their differences during the vacation of a lifetime ends up going horribly wrong.
Endangered Species follows a family on their dream vacation to Kenya. Though dad Jack (Philip Winchester) isn’t thrilled about spending his vacation in the African wilderness instead of on the beach, mom Lauren (Rebecca Romijn) has always dreamed of going on safari. And it could be just what they need to reconnect with their teenage kids. But when the family ventures out on a self-guided safari, their van comes under attack by a mother rhino who’s been separated from her calf—and the family ends up alone in the wilderness, fighting for survival.
Of course, from the beginning, there’s no doubt that things won’t go as planned for this family—even if it weren’t foreshadowed in an ominous remark by Jerry O’Connell when they first arrive at the tiny airport. This isn’t the kind of family that should be venturing out into the wilderness alone, without a guide. They’re the stereotypical clueless American family. Dad is rich and entitled and definitely more comfortable being waited on by the staff at an expensive resort. Mom has a naïve, romanticized notion of the African wilderness. And the kids are just spoiled teenagers who don’t know how to function without their phones. These aren’t people who can take care of themselves—but, of course, they’re exactly the kind of people who think that signs that say “No Entry” don’t apply to them.
As the family ventures out into the wilderness, it isn’t exactly easy to relate to them. Their family drama isn’t especially endearing, and they just seem to make one ill-advised move after another. Fortunately, there’s plenty to distract from the family and their underlying drama. The sweeping views of the savanna are quite striking—and the constant threat of attacks by hyenas, leopards, and other predators provides plenty of suspense. The mix of family drama and bloody battles does often feel awkward, but the animal action and growing tension will keep viewers entertained.
Of course, Endangered Species isn’t summer blockbuster caliber action. The characters are stereotypical and irritating, and the story is loaded with holes. But as long as you keep your expectations very low, it’s good for some action (and a few unintentional laughs, too).
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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