I watched this 5 times in four days. "Running On Empty" is a moving family drama told through the point of view of Danny Pope, aka Michael Manfield, aka Richard McNally (sp?), played by the very talented and lamented River Phoenix. It's not hard to see why he got an Oscar nomination for this role, but I find it insane that he didn't get the award. His portrayal of Danny was simply touching. Danny is loyal and sometimes awkward boy (notice the way he stumbles when he tosses the bike into the bushes in the first few scenes); he is also musically-gifted. The way he plays the piano is astounding. The audition scene is one of my favourites.
"Running On Empty" has a lot going on for it: a good though slightly flawed script, talented actors (Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch and Martha Plimpton), and BEAUTIFUL music. Also, how often do you have movies involving teen romance that don't make it into something cheesy and unbelievable? Everything Danny does for Lorna (Martha Plimpton) is believable, right down to the confession scene in the woods. Through his actions it is apparent that Danny is really in love with her, but can't be with her because he has to stick with his family. That alone is enough to bring tears to anyone's eye: his dedication to his family and his willingness to give up himself for them.
Another great scene is when the Pope family and Lorna are all singing and dancing to James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" (great song). I think there is a reason why the song was played at the end again.
So in short, "Running On Empty" is simply fantastic. If you haven't seen it, you don't know what you're missing.
"Running On Empty" has a lot going on for it: a good though slightly flawed script, talented actors (Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch and Martha Plimpton), and BEAUTIFUL music. Also, how often do you have movies involving teen romance that don't make it into something cheesy and unbelievable? Everything Danny does for Lorna (Martha Plimpton) is believable, right down to the confession scene in the woods. Through his actions it is apparent that Danny is really in love with her, but can't be with her because he has to stick with his family. That alone is enough to bring tears to anyone's eye: his dedication to his family and his willingness to give up himself for them.
Another great scene is when the Pope family and Lorna are all singing and dancing to James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" (great song). I think there is a reason why the song was played at the end again.
So in short, "Running On Empty" is simply fantastic. If you haven't seen it, you don't know what you're missing.