Hillerman is a wonderful writer who can interweave the beauty of the southwest, the cultures of the Native Americans living there and a good mystery, Too bad this film did not do that talent justice by using all of the considerable acting abilities of Lou Diamond Phillips. This is an OK film that could have been really good if the director, actors and writers had put any real effort into it. As it is, it does give the story a fair telling, and the beauty of the southwest landscape is evident. However, everyone acts like this a high school production being done for the parents instead of a film being made to present to the public. It is still a good story, and does entertain especially if you don't mind films that are not done to their best.