movie review legend of 5 mile cave

Once Upon a Time in a Western

The legend of 5 mile cave (2019).

A stranger named Sam Barnes (Adam Baldwin) comes along and helps them break horses to be sold at market in an attempt to save the farm from foreclosure.

He quickly befriends Tommy, who’s fascinated by the Old West and, at the moment, by the tale of a bank robber named Shooter Green.

Turns out Barnes knew Shooter and can tell the true story of a cocky young gunman who rode into Tucson in 1896, aiming to win bets with his marksmanship.

But the drifter stopped drifting because he met and fell for pretty Josie Hayes (Alexandra DeBerry), the daughter of a banker.

In order to make enough money to marry her, Shooter took a job guarding gold-laden stages for Virgil Earp. All went well until his fellow guards got greedy and decided to rob one of those stages.

Shooter wound up fleeing on a horse carrying the stolen loot, buried it in 5-Mile Cave and wound up on the run for a crime he didn’t commit.

Adam Baldwin as Sam Barnes in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Jill Wagner as Susan Tilwicky in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

A well-done, well-acted family Western that’s longer on story than action and still manages to be quite entertaining.

The flashbacks benefit from the presence of Jeremy Sumpter as the handsome Shooter Green and lovely Alexandra DeBerry as the sassy gal who tames him just a bit.

Adam Baldwin also does a fine job as the stranger who isn’t who he pretends to be. And Jill Wagner shines as the stubborn widow unwilling to give up her ranch, the one thing her husband left behind.

All that said, if you like your Westerns gritty and mature, you’d best look elsewhere. This will likely strike you as a bit hokey.

Jet Jergensmeyer as Tommy Tilwicky in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

William Shockley as the present day sheriff in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Directed by: Brent Christy

Cast: Adam Baldwin … Sam Barnes Jeremy Sumpter … Shooter Green Jill Wagner … Susan Tilwicky Jet Jergensmeyer … Tommy Tilwicky Alexandra DeBerry … Josie Hayes Randy Wayne … Doc William Shockley … Sheriff Tom Proctor … Virgil Earp Danny Vinson … Sheriff Bean Rob Moran … William Davis Mark Jeffrey Miller … Wade Kinsley Roxzane T. Mims … Sally Stefanie Butler … Martha Lowery

Runtime: 90 min.

Jeremy Sumpter as Shooter Green in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Alexandra DeBerry as Josie Hayes in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Memorable lines:

Shooter Green: “My name’s Shooter Green. And I can shoot a flea off a dog at 50 yards.”

Sam Barnes, telling the tale of Shooter: “Yep, Shooter Green had a masterful command of a gun. But his heart? That was another matter altogether.”

Sam Barnes, when Tommy makes a face about Shooter and Josie kissing: “Oh, there will come a time when you will think quite differently. I can guarantee it. Even you are not immune to the power of the female persuasion.” Tommy: “They didn’t make a vaccine for it or something?”

Doc: “Arizona Territory is paying for our horses. Are they also paying for our tombstones?”

Randy Wayne as Doc Small in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Tom Proctor as Virgil Earp in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Danny Vinson as Sheriff Bean in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Rob Moran as banker William Davis in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

Jill Wagner as Susan Tilwicky defends her song Tommy (Jet Jergensmeyer) in The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

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• DVD & Streaming

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave

• Drama , Western

Content Caution

In Theaters

• April 4, 2019
• Adam Baldwin as Sam Barnes; Jeremy Sumpter as Shooter Green; Jill Wagner as Susan Tilwicky; Jet Jurgensmeyer as Tommy Tilwicky; Alexandria DeBerry as Josie Hayes; William Shockley as Sheriff Small

Home Release Date

• July 25, 2020
• Brent Christy

Distributor

• Imagicomm Entertainment

Movie Review

Young Tommy Tilwicky isn’t really all that aware of his single Mom’s worries. He knows things have been tough since his dad died in a farming accident some while back. But Sandy Tilwicky keeps the real weight of the farm’s financial situation, and her worrisome tears, hidden quietly away.

Sandy figures that it’s enough that Tommy just be a boy for a while—keeping his mind set on things like daily chores and his cowboy pulp novels—and leave the concerns of life to her. 1929 is a tough time, to be sure. But if they can get the horses to market soon enough, and maybe take in a few short-term boarders, things’ll work themselves out.

Problem is, the only boarder they’ve had show up is a drifter named Sam Barnes, and he’s poorer than they are. He can’t even cover the dollar-a-day fee. But the older man is kind and a hard worker. And he knows horses. So, Sandy lets him earn his keep with work about the farm. That’ll do for a short stretch anyway.

The older man hits it off with young Tommy, too, weaving stories about one “Shooter Green,” a character right outta one of Tommy’s Wild West paperback storybooks.

But Sam insists that Shooter Green was a real-life cowboy, and one of the best-known stories surrounding the guy ( Shooter Green and the Legend of 5 Mile Cave )was a pretty well-known tale that supposedly really happened, too. Sandy has her doubts, but Sam tells Tommy about Shooter’s sharpshooting feats and talks as if he actually knew the man. My goodness, men and their stories.At least it’s keeping Tommy’s imagination going. And it’s good to see the boy smile again.

What Sandy and little Tommy don’t know, however, is that there was a prison break some several states away not long ago. And there’s a hard-edged sheriff out tracking that escapee. In fact, there’s some $200,000 in missing gold in the mix, too—money that ties way back to 1896 … and the very real story of Shooter Green. Sometimes, you see, wild, pulp-novel stories ain’t just stories at all.

Positive Elements

Without giving too much away, this is actually a flashback-filled tale of first love, stalwart dedication and a good man who’s been wronged. Eventually the story also delivers messages about the importance and strength of family, and it suggests that the self-sacrificial actions of others can be great and laudable things.

A long-standing wrong is eventually set right.

Spiritual Elements

Sandy prays for a family dinner “in Jesus Christ’s name.” In the midst of his stories, Sam tells Tommy that Shooter Green was left as a baby at the front door of a local church and taken in.

Sexual Content

In flashback, we see Shooter Green and his true love, Josie, kiss on several occasions. The two marry. Later, Josie announces that she is pregnant, much to Shooter’s great joy.

Violent Content

Two men are shot and killed in cold blood. A man is shot in the shoulder, then falls off his horse and strikes his head on a rock—losing his memory in the process. (These bullet wounds are all shown as small bloody spots on the victim’s clothing without any accompanying gore.) A young boy attempts to shoot out a tire on a moving vehicle. He does so, but in the process a stray bullet wounds someone in the car.

There are several moments when bad men threaten innocents with firearms. Two men wrestle and punch one another in a short-lived struggle on the ground.

Crude or Profane Language

Nothing much to speak of here other that the exclamation of a single “heck no!”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Men drink glasses of whiskey in an old Western saloon.

Other Negative Elements

Lies are told and an innocent man is eventually shot and sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

We’re used to the typical movie Western having quite a bit of scrub grass grit and lawless gunslinging crammed into its saddle bags. But there was a time when TV Westerns took a gentler amble into the Old West.

There was still hornswogglin’ bad guys, hard-fisted action and sharp-shootin’ in those telly tales of the ‘50s. But there was a bit more story emphasis placed on the romantic yearning for a wide-open prairie and the dreams of a young loving couple wanting to make a home of their small stretch of land.

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave falls neatly into the look and feel of that latter buckaroo category. As the flashback story jumps back and forth between the late 1890s and 1920s, there’s some hard liquor tossed back and a prison escape in the mix. Some suffer gunslinging wounds or throw dusty punches.. But the action never gets too hard, nor is it foul-mouthed in the least.

You might even think of this Western tale as a blending of the not-so-Wild West with a Hallmark special. It’s a story with a sense of gentleness and hope, and it carries a longing for the loving embrace of family bonds from days of yore.

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave may not come with all the high production dollars of a Hollywood blockbuster. But like a good pulp-novel cowboy, it can easily mosey on into your family’s front parlor, take off its hat and sit proper-like.

After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

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The Legend of 5 Mile Cave

Dove Review

There are a few things The Legend of 5 Mile Cave could refer to—a pulp fiction comic book, the hero described in it or the buried treasure hidden in a light-swallowing cavern in the Arizona desert. But the movie of the same name is an endearing family Western in which, even when you can sense what’s coming next, you still are curious to answer one question: How?

Early in the movie, it’s clear this tale will be told in flashback. A young man fleeing a posse in Tucson in 1896 gets shot off his horse and nearly dies from banging his head on a stone in the fall. We immediately fast-forward to the summer of 1929, halfway across the country in Kentucky, where a young boy named Tommy Tilwicky (Jet Jurgensmeyer) becomes fascinated with “Shooter Green,” a comic book hero who can shoot a flea off a dog from 50 yards away, played by Jeremy Sumpter. There are plenty of details that need fleshing out, and Tommy is engrossed in the story while his widowed mother, Susan (Jill Wagner), struggles to make ends meet just before the dawning of the Great Depression.

She puts an ad out for boarders and along comes Sam Barnes (Adam Baldwin), who, as fate would have it, needs a place to stay but lacks money. He’s willing to earn his keep by taming wild horses so Susan can sell them, and the presence of a man around the place comes in handy. And, as fate would further have it, he’s able to tell little Tommy all about Shooter Green, warning the lad not to believe everything he reads in the comic book.

The flashbacks fill us in on the salient details: Shooter was aptly named, and his skills with a gun land him a job with a crew hired to protect stagecoach valuables. The dangerous job paid $500 for three months’ work—big money back then—which also makes marrying his feisty sweetheart, Josie Hayes (Alexandra DeBerry) and starting a life together worth the risk. After they’re married, he gains extra motivation for one last trip with the crew when he learns his wife is pregnant. But one last job/trip/robbery never seems to go as planned in the movies, and Shooter learns that protecting the stagecoach (filled with $200,000 in gold) isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. He finds himself suddenly at odds with former allies, double-crossed by his crew, freshly minus two guys he’s falsely accused of killing.

Tommy may be young, but he’s sharp and asks the right questions—namely, how does Sam know so much about Shooter, who was notoriously private? And what happened to the stagecoach money Shooter was supposed to help protect? Even Susan senses there’s more to Sam dropping into her and Tommy’s life at the right time. “I can’t put my finger on it,” she tells Sam, “but I feel like we’ve met before.”

We won’t tell you the answers here, but viewers paying careful attention will discover that they come at just the right intervals to keep the story interesting and moving at a steady pace.

Tommy learns what the movie attempts to teach its viewers: there’s value in keeping your word and protecting your family. Do those two things and, as Sam tells Susan, he’s “a firm believer that things have a way of working themselves out.” The script also has a way of working itself out and thus, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave merits the Dove-Approved Seal for All Ages.

The Dove Take:

A family-friendly Western that’s almost an anti-Western, in that it doesn’t rely overmuch on gun play or fistfights, it doesn’t twist history to make bad guys out of Indians, and it doesn’t make helpless damsels in distress out of strong female characters.

Dove Rating Details

Sam is reluctant when Susan asks him to say grace at dinner. He tells her he prefers "to leave it in your more than capable hands.

It wouldn't be a Western without a gunfight or two, but the script doesn't rely on it to carry the story.

A few kisses, which young Tommy calls, "Gross" and asks about such romantic gestures, "Do they make a vaccine for it?"

There's drinking in the saloon, but not to excess.

More Information

Film information, dove content.

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The Legend of 5 Mile Cave

Where to Watch

Adam Baldwin (Sam Barnes) Jeremy Sumpter (Young Sam 'Shooter' Green) Jill Wagner (Susan Tilwicky) Jet Jurgensmeyer (Tommy Tilwicky) Alexandria DeBerry (Josie Hayes) Randy Wayne (Young John 'Doc' Small) William Shockley (Sheriff John 'Doc' Small) Tom Proctor (Virgil Earp) Danny Vinson (Sheriff Bean) Rob Moran (William Davis)

Brent Christy

A mysterious drifter bonds with a boy with tales of the West. Past and present collide when a lawman appears seeking long-lost gold.

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The Legend of 5 Mile Cave Reviews

• 1 hr 30 mins
• Family, Action & Adventure
• Watchlist Where to Watch

Past and present collide for a widowed mother and her young son, who's enchanted with tales of the Old West. Her struggle to save the family farm is buoyed by the arrival of a drifter in need of a room to rent; but his past is called into question when a lawman shows up looking for stolen gold.

Home > The Legend Of 5 Mile Cave Ending Explained

The Legend Of 5 Mile Cave Ending Explained

• UPDATED: July 23, 2023

Table of Contents

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave: Unraveling the Mystery

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is a thrilling adventure film that takes viewers on a journey through the Wild West. Directed by Brent Christy, the movie follows the story of a young boy named Tommy and his sister June as they stumble upon a hidden treasure map. Intrigued by the promise of riches, the siblings embark on a quest to find 5 Mile Cave, a legendary hiding place for outlaws.

The film is set in the late 1800s, a time when the Wild West was still untamed and lawlessness prevailed. Tommy and June, played by Adam Baldwin and Jill Wagner respectively, find themselves caught up in a dangerous world of outlaws, gunfights, and hidden secrets. As they navigate through treacherous terrain and encounter various obstacles, they learn valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and the true meaning of family.

One of the most captivating aspects of The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is its mysterious ending. Throughout the movie, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering what lies at the end of the treasure hunt. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the treasure is not just a material reward but also a symbol of redemption and closure for the characters.

In the final scenes of the film, Tommy and June finally reach 5 Mile Cave, only to discover that the treasure they sought was not gold or jewels, but rather a collection of letters and personal belongings. These items belonged to their long-lost father, who had been an outlaw himself. The treasure, it turns out, was not meant to enrich them financially, but to provide them with a deeper understanding of their family history.

The ending of The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is bittersweet, as Tommy and June come to terms with their father’s past and the choices he made. They realize that their father was not just a criminal, but a complex individual who had his reasons for turning to a life of crime. The letters and belongings left behind in the cave serve as a way for the siblings to connect with their father and gain a sense of closure.

The film’s ending also highlights the theme of forgiveness and redemption. Tommy and June learn to forgive their father for his past actions and find solace in the fact that he cared enough to leave behind a piece of himself for them to discover. The treasure, in this sense, becomes a symbol of their father’s love and a way for them to reconcile with their own identities.

The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is not just a typical adventure film; it delves into deeper themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery. The ending, although unexpected, ties together the various storylines and provides a satisfying conclusion to the characters’ journeys.

The performances in the film are commendable, with Adam Baldwin and Jill Wagner delivering heartfelt portrayals of Tommy and June. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, and their emotional journey resonates with viewers. The supporting cast, including Jet Jurgensmeyer as Billy, also adds depth to the story and enhances the overall viewing experience.

In terms of cinematography, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave captures the rugged beauty of the Wild West. The sweeping landscapes and dusty towns transport viewers back in time, immersing them in the setting and atmosphere of the film. The action sequences are well-executed, adding excitement and tension to the narrative.

Overall, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is a captivating film that combines adventure, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling. Its ending, although unexpected, provides a satisfying resolution to the characters’ journeys and leaves viewers with a sense of closure. The film’s exploration of family, forgiveness, and redemption adds depth to the story and elevates it beyond a typical adventure film.

Whether you’re a fan of Westerns or simply enjoy a good adventure, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is a must-watch. Its compelling storyline, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout film in the genre. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to be transported to the Wild West in this thrilling tale of treasure, family, and self-discovery.

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Currently you are able to watch "The Legend of 5 Mile Cave" streaming on fuboTV, Peacock, Pure Flix, UP Faith & Family Apple TV Channel or for free with ads on VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Freevee. It is also possible to rent "The Legend of 5 Mile Cave" on Amazon Video online and to download it on Amazon Video.

Where does The Legend of 5 Mile Cave rank today? The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

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The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is 9260 on the JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts today. The movie has moved up the charts by 4970 places since yesterday. In the United States, it is currently more popular than Break but less popular than Tuscan Wedding.

A mysterious drifter bonds with a boy with tales of the West. Past and present collide when a lawman appears seeking long-lost gold.

Streaming Charts The JustWatch Daily Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity within the last 24 hours. This includes clicking on a streaming offer, adding a title to a watchlist, and marking a title as 'seen'. This includes data from ~1.3 million movie & TV show fans per day.

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Legend of 5 Mile Cave

Cast & crew.

Adam Baldwin

Jeremy Sumpter

Shooter Green

Jill Wagner

Susan Tilwicky

Jet Jurgensmeyer

Tommy Tilwicky

Alexandria Deberry

Josie Hayes

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The Legend of 5 Mile Cave (2019)

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