I can not recommend the first twenty minutes of this film enough. These are the 20 minutes containing some of the best work by Christopher Walken and Michael Caine, or perhaps any film actors in history. Everything about the beginning of this movie leads one to believe that this is going to be a great family drama/comedy. Unfortunately the film takes an odd turn and becomes a road film thats nowhere near as tight and focused as the start. Esssentially this is the story of fathers and sons and crimes unforgiven. The idea of the road trip is to put the skeletons to rest and to bring peace and closure to a very wounded family. The cast of this film that makes up the four male generations of this broken family is excellent. They make a real go at making what happens believable, even though once the VW micro-bus hits the road it falls apart with plot holes and inconsistency. Its never bad, but its never what the first part of this film promised. Still its worth renting or seeing on cable for two of the greatest performances I've ever seen.
48 Reviews
A lukewarm misfire for sentimentalists
=G=9 March 2005
"Around the Bend" tells of a father (Walken) and son (Lucas) whose lives cross after 30 years apart as the death of their patriarch (Caine) draws near. The body of the film is a road trip which they take, leaping from one Kentucky Coronel Fried Chicken restaurant to another, following the quirky instructions of the dearly departed whose cremated remains are scattered one spoonful at a time as the long estranged men seek reconciliation of old regrets. "Around the Bend" has some worthy sentiment buried in a heap of inconsequential filler, a few poignant moments which break through the monotony of developing characters who are quirky for the sake of quirkiness, and some solid performances which almost overcome the everpresent snippets of corny C&W music. Those who don't mind paper thin plots, many contrived moments, drama diluted with overtones of silliness, and lots of filler may be able to buy into the bittersweet stop and go story. Others will be sorely disappointed to see good performances and camera work wasted on such a flimsy story. (C+)
WB but independent
yusufpiskin13 March 2020
This movie has made such an impact on myself as well as my family. There are very few that we all recall and share the same joy from. I did a trip very similar to theirs, minus the dead people, and it truly stands out as a more significant summer (got tired of KFC too lol). Christopher Walken is a favorite of mine and he plays his charcter who is one that hurts and though it isnt clearly made mentioned, it is evident he constantly battles the reflections he comes to terms with about the decisions hes made. Nothing can be more powerful in a performance when one conveys the unspoken in such a way that Walken does in this movie. This movie is a testament about how family is eesential because we are all flawed and we need that strength no matter our differences among family members. Truly such an underrated movie vut one that will stand as one of my favorites.
Beautifully told story
thecomputersaysno28 April 2005
Extremely touching road movie around four generations of males whose relationships have become fractured in the past.
It's not made completely clear at the start, but Michael Caine is the great grandfather, Christopher Walken is the grandfather, Josh Lucas the father and the charming Jonah Bobo as the grandson. The family are reunited and Caine's character tasks them with a request in his will that his ashes be scattered near his favourite fast food restaurants throughout picturesque New Mexico (bizarre product placement).
Walken had disappeared from the family unit, with some resentment from all, and returns to the family and finds himself agreeing to fulfil his father's wishes. Throughout the journey, the family bonds are re-established and a gradual understanding of the characters grows and their past revealed.
This is a beautiful story, told at a gentle but entrancing pace, is truly moving and I recommend it highly. It's not very long, but within Walken is given great time and space to truly demonstrate his talents.
It's not made completely clear at the start, but Michael Caine is the great grandfather, Christopher Walken is the grandfather, Josh Lucas the father and the charming Jonah Bobo as the grandson. The family are reunited and Caine's character tasks them with a request in his will that his ashes be scattered near his favourite fast food restaurants throughout picturesque New Mexico (bizarre product placement).
Walken had disappeared from the family unit, with some resentment from all, and returns to the family and finds himself agreeing to fulfil his father's wishes. Throughout the journey, the family bonds are re-established and a gradual understanding of the characters grows and their past revealed.
This is a beautiful story, told at a gentle but entrancing pace, is truly moving and I recommend it highly. It's not very long, but within Walken is given great time and space to truly demonstrate his talents.
Short and dramatic story
LUIS25 February 2020
Finger Licking Good Film With a Greasy Conclusion
eric26200324 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Death is knocking on the door of archaeologist Dr. Henry Lair (Michael Caine). His last wish is to gather his disgraced son Turner (Christopher Walken) and his level-headed grandson Jason (Josh Lucas)to go on a road trip. Wheh they show up at his doorstep, Henry Lair feels like his last wish is starting to materialize before his eyes. But suddenly he dies and has left his legacy his will which is a variety of clues and directions hidden in a Kentucky Fried Chicken bag. The centerpiece of the film is centered around the topic of death and how it effects those around the survivors of those loved ones, but we feel that this death is rather assumed rather then actually getting the feeling of the character being dead. The first 20 minutes into the film, the connections between Henry and his family seems to be at times very disjointed.
From a documentary focusing on the making of "Around the Bend", writer/director Jordan Roberts wrote the script for 10 long years which included a more in depth back-story involving Henry. Roberts goes all out to concentrate on the emotional impact on losing a person who was loved dearly and was taken into clinical masses. The deleted scenes that centres around the dying Henry has a more contrary perspective of the movie. Shamefully, Roberts edited out those scenes feeling they were incoherent to the plot. The film is only a measly 83 minutes long therefore, Mr. Roberts' theory to me seems rather unjustified.
The good qualities about "Around The Bend" is that it thankfully refrains from being gratuitously sentimental and doesn't have any kind of teary outbursts. However it succeeds in making it more subtle in this difficult stage in life. Henry's will instructs Turner, Jason and son Zach (Lucas Bobo) to drive to New Mexico where they must scatter his ashes through many parts of this state. They must also stop at every KFC and have a meal before they continue. Henry's rigor mortis sets the tone towards the heavy burdens that has manifested towards the Lair clan, but the internal turmoil takes its toll on them. Turner and Jason milk upon Turner's mysterious abandonment and during the trip they continually argue over various issues that has been affecting their relationship. But Henry's will sends Turner and Jason to well known landmarks that bridge the gaps between them that has kept them apart.
In the early parts of the film, Henry liked to refer to his clan as his tribe. All he ever wanted was to have cohesiveness and unity towards his family and to be at peace with one another. That's all fine fine and dandy, but it happened all too soon and abrupt making the movie too short and too rushed. There was a side-story that had an affect on Turner and he and Jason have a final battle of words at the last destination. The predictable conclusion deprives this nuanced tone. Death tries to removes the wedges from this estranged family and while the story is finger looking good, the conclusion is the one that flips the bird on us.
From a documentary focusing on the making of "Around the Bend", writer/director Jordan Roberts wrote the script for 10 long years which included a more in depth back-story involving Henry. Roberts goes all out to concentrate on the emotional impact on losing a person who was loved dearly and was taken into clinical masses. The deleted scenes that centres around the dying Henry has a more contrary perspective of the movie. Shamefully, Roberts edited out those scenes feeling they were incoherent to the plot. The film is only a measly 83 minutes long therefore, Mr. Roberts' theory to me seems rather unjustified.
The good qualities about "Around The Bend" is that it thankfully refrains from being gratuitously sentimental and doesn't have any kind of teary outbursts. However it succeeds in making it more subtle in this difficult stage in life. Henry's will instructs Turner, Jason and son Zach (Lucas Bobo) to drive to New Mexico where they must scatter his ashes through many parts of this state. They must also stop at every KFC and have a meal before they continue. Henry's rigor mortis sets the tone towards the heavy burdens that has manifested towards the Lair clan, but the internal turmoil takes its toll on them. Turner and Jason milk upon Turner's mysterious abandonment and during the trip they continually argue over various issues that has been affecting their relationship. But Henry's will sends Turner and Jason to well known landmarks that bridge the gaps between them that has kept them apart.
In the early parts of the film, Henry liked to refer to his clan as his tribe. All he ever wanted was to have cohesiveness and unity towards his family and to be at peace with one another. That's all fine fine and dandy, but it happened all too soon and abrupt making the movie too short and too rushed. There was a side-story that had an affect on Turner and he and Jason have a final battle of words at the last destination. The predictable conclusion deprives this nuanced tone. Death tries to removes the wedges from this estranged family and while the story is finger looking good, the conclusion is the one that flips the bird on us.
Likable piece of whimsy.....
Welshfilmfan25 January 2009
Though the schmaltz gets piled on like only Hollywood can *SIGH* I've never actually heard of this film before, having now looked at IMDb I now realize it was only given a very limited release by Warner's now defunct Independent arm and wasn't successful in that.
It's not bad...but without Caine's & Walken's inclusion this would have been a TV Movie. Michael Caine (Sporting an odd accent has been made up to be an elderly man as he plays Christopher Walken's Father despite in real life only being 10 years his senior) plays Henry Lair, Walken plays his son Turner, Josh Lucas plays Turner's son Jason & Jonah Bobo plays Jason's son Zack....OK GOT THAT? GOOD.
Turner (Walken) walked out on his family 30 years ago, and returns because his Father Henry (Caine) is gravely Ill....and dies in a KFC Restaurant (KFC must have paid a few bob to have such a huge advert) but not before leaving various notes to his Son,Grandson, & Great-grandson on what he wants doing with his ashes, so they embark on a road trip while at first failing to get along, end up of course making up and becoming a happy family in the process....But Turner hides a secret
Yes, at times this is rather too sickly & Schmaltzy but First time writer/Director does a good job with a surprisingly good script
..but really this is just a superior Lifetime or Hallmark TV Movie with proper actors, and didn't stand a chance at the BOX-Office,
Do I recommend it...Well yes I do, if only for the performances and pretty locations
***1/2 out of *****
It's not bad...but without Caine's & Walken's inclusion this would have been a TV Movie. Michael Caine (Sporting an odd accent has been made up to be an elderly man as he plays Christopher Walken's Father despite in real life only being 10 years his senior) plays Henry Lair, Walken plays his son Turner, Josh Lucas plays Turner's son Jason & Jonah Bobo plays Jason's son Zack....OK GOT THAT? GOOD.
Turner (Walken) walked out on his family 30 years ago, and returns because his Father Henry (Caine) is gravely Ill....and dies in a KFC Restaurant (KFC must have paid a few bob to have such a huge advert) but not before leaving various notes to his Son,Grandson, & Great-grandson on what he wants doing with his ashes, so they embark on a road trip while at first failing to get along, end up of course making up and becoming a happy family in the process....But Turner hides a secret
Yes, at times this is rather too sickly & Schmaltzy but First time writer/Director does a good job with a surprisingly good script
..but really this is just a superior Lifetime or Hallmark TV Movie with proper actors, and didn't stand a chance at the BOX-Office,
Do I recommend it...Well yes I do, if only for the performances and pretty locations
***1/2 out of *****
desperate to be quirky and poignant
SnoopyStyle21 August 2015
Jason Lair (Josh Lucas) is a single dad to Zach and living with his grandfather Henry (Michael Caine). Katrina (Glenne Headly) is their live-in maid. Then they are interrupted by the arrival of Jason's long absent dad Turner (Christopher Walken). When Jason was 2, he lost his mother in a crash and Turner disappeared into addiction. The sickly Henry is happy to see his son before he dies while Jason is bitter with his arrival. Henry and Zach is at the KFC where Henry type out elaborately planned notes as his will. He dies at the KFC and Jason is forced on a winding trip with his father as dictated by Henry.
This is so desperate to be quirky and poignant that it really achieves neither thing. I hated Glenne Headly's quirky undecipherable accent. I hate the use of KFC. In real life, I love me some KFC. I love the old recipe. I love the new recipe. There is nothing better than some KFC as a treat. The over-use of KFC in this movie reeks of desperation. Maybe Jordan Roberts thinks this is great quirky fun. It is not enough to just show the KFC logo. It is not funny on its own. The first part is a tired depressed muddle.
Walken and Lucas are perfectly good actors. They have some good father son moments. The material is not usually up to par. The kid contributes very little but he's very young. There are some good moments but it's not enough.
This is so desperate to be quirky and poignant that it really achieves neither thing. I hated Glenne Headly's quirky undecipherable accent. I hate the use of KFC. In real life, I love me some KFC. I love the old recipe. I love the new recipe. There is nothing better than some KFC as a treat. The over-use of KFC in this movie reeks of desperation. Maybe Jordan Roberts thinks this is great quirky fun. It is not enough to just show the KFC logo. It is not funny on its own. The first part is a tired depressed muddle.
Walken and Lucas are perfectly good actors. They have some good father son moments. The material is not usually up to par. The kid contributes very little but he's very young. There are some good moments but it's not enough.
Prodigal Family
mysticwit18 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I picked up on AROUND THE BEND for the actors, in particular Josh Lucas, one of the underrated actors of his generation. With Michael Caine and Christopher Walken also in the cast, I was further intrigued. After catching it at the Austin Film Festival, I can't recommend this movie enough.
If you've ever had to make peace with a prodigal family member -particularly a parent- and a grandparent who manipulated matters make reconciliations- this story will resonate deeply.
Jason (Lucas) lives with his ailing grandfather Henry (Caine), and son Zach (Jonah Bobo), and a live nurse. When Jason's father, Turner (Walken) suddenly shows up, we instantly learn of abandonment and a lot left unsaid. Henry insists on a road trip, and everyone declines; Henry settles the matter by dying just after planning it with the help of Zach.
Using Kentucky Fried Chicken as a metaphor for plastic living, the three survivors start out on a journey of discovery and ash-spreading. The expected dark secret and bonding occurs, but it's a journey worth exploring with these three.
The cast is excellent, and have great chemistry; the only shame is that due to the storyline, Caine had so little time on screen. Bobo is absolutely amazing as young Zach; he gets as much done with a glance and a head move that veteran actors hope to accomplish; this kid is someone to watch for in the future. The soundtrack is outstanding, relying on 8 track music which really sets the mood without ever overwhelming, and only a few original piano based pieces by David Baerwald. All in all, story and structure it's a well made film.
This is not a male chick flick. It's about family, and reconciliation, even when someone isn't perfect. Writer/Director Jordan Roberts was inspired by his own father/son story when writing this.
AROUND THE BEND has a good balance between humor and heart, and more than worth your consideration.
If you've ever had to make peace with a prodigal family member -particularly a parent- and a grandparent who manipulated matters make reconciliations- this story will resonate deeply.
Jason (Lucas) lives with his ailing grandfather Henry (Caine), and son Zach (Jonah Bobo), and a live nurse. When Jason's father, Turner (Walken) suddenly shows up, we instantly learn of abandonment and a lot left unsaid. Henry insists on a road trip, and everyone declines; Henry settles the matter by dying just after planning it with the help of Zach.
Using Kentucky Fried Chicken as a metaphor for plastic living, the three survivors start out on a journey of discovery and ash-spreading. The expected dark secret and bonding occurs, but it's a journey worth exploring with these three.
The cast is excellent, and have great chemistry; the only shame is that due to the storyline, Caine had so little time on screen. Bobo is absolutely amazing as young Zach; he gets as much done with a glance and a head move that veteran actors hope to accomplish; this kid is someone to watch for in the future. The soundtrack is outstanding, relying on 8 track music which really sets the mood without ever overwhelming, and only a few original piano based pieces by David Baerwald. All in all, story and structure it's a well made film.
This is not a male chick flick. It's about family, and reconciliation, even when someone isn't perfect. Writer/Director Jordan Roberts was inspired by his own father/son story when writing this.
AROUND THE BEND has a good balance between humor and heart, and more than worth your consideration.
nice little film
sfdavide16 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Why can't Christopher Walken play "normal" roles like this more often. You really forget what a great actor hr is until he gets a role like this. He plays a man who came back to see his father, son and grandson after leaving 30 years before. After his father, played wonderfully by Micheal Caine, dies and leaves a letter that they must scatter his and his dog Spike's, who died the next day, ashes around the country while eating at KFC restaurants. The father and son learn slot about each other during this trip. It turns out that Walken's character is also dying which leads to a touching scene of the son and grandson dancing in their memory. If you watch the film you will find out this significance. This is not a great film but I recommend it as a nice way to spend an hour an a half and feel good afterward
It Kicks The Bucket
ciribiribin24 May 2007
Around The Bend is a cutesy little story about four generations of Lair males coming to grips with their dysfunctional relationship and lives. I can't say much else about the plot without giving it away. Suffice it to say its one of those movies where the male family hierarchy experiences a spiritual awakening by taking a communal pee in the desert. In other words, this movie is the male equivalent of a chick flick.
My wife picked out the DVD based on the actors in it, as is her custom. I'm more of a story-man and I must say my record for picking good movies is better than hers. But enough bragging. Ironically, in this case, it turned out the actors saved this thing from being a total bust. The ubiquitous Caine is over the top but that's his charm. The feminine heart-throb Lucas does the best he can with a schizoid character. The dancing-machine Walken is superb. And the precocious Bobo (I think he's the little boy) was believable as the generic kid who's wiser than his years.
Yawn. Haven't I seen this story before on Lifetime TV? I'm sorry, but the whole thing struck me as a kind of a psychological scavenger hunt. Imagine Oprah and Dr. Phil got a hold of the script of It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World and reworked it.
There you have it. Four stars because I watched the entire movie start to finish.
My wife picked out the DVD based on the actors in it, as is her custom. I'm more of a story-man and I must say my record for picking good movies is better than hers. But enough bragging. Ironically, in this case, it turned out the actors saved this thing from being a total bust. The ubiquitous Caine is over the top but that's his charm. The feminine heart-throb Lucas does the best he can with a schizoid character. The dancing-machine Walken is superb. And the precocious Bobo (I think he's the little boy) was believable as the generic kid who's wiser than his years.
Yawn. Haven't I seen this story before on Lifetime TV? I'm sorry, but the whole thing struck me as a kind of a psychological scavenger hunt. Imagine Oprah and Dr. Phil got a hold of the script of It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World and reworked it.
There you have it. Four stars because I watched the entire movie start to finish.
Explores family relationships w/great depth and sensitivity.
lori-college15 October 2004
Christopher Walken and Josh Lucas are incredibly believable in their rich portrayals of a father and son who have been apart for many years and brought together by an eccentric grandfather's wish for a family reunion and an emotional scavenger hunt. Newcomer, Jonah Bobo is superbly natural in his role as Zack. The story is heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time, reminding us that while we don't choose our families, we can choose to love and accept them in spite of the damage we do to each other. We can indeed learn from the mistakes of those who go before us and pass on the best of the previous generation leaving our mark on the next generation.
This was a great movie, with a great soundtrack - a real father-son coming of age story without any saccharine!
This was a great movie, with a great soundtrack - a real father-son coming of age story without any saccharine!
Good movie, Bad soundtrack
thesaki22 February 2005
I thought this movie was great, but there was so much potential trying to escape from the script. The setting, the screenplay, the actors, and the theme were all wonderful. The only thing that I did not like was the music. About 90% of the background music was either misplaced or just plain wrong for this movie. In a movie, the right music can add volumes to an expression or an emotion that the director is trying to exult from an audience. If this movie had been scored better, my rating would have probably gone up two, maybe three points. Christopher Walken's expressions alone would've held the movie, but when I saw the look on his face, which is always powerful, accompanied by an unequaled tune, I couldn't feel what I was meant to feel. Great movie. Bad music.
One long ad for KFC
jimbobowie23 January 2017
As soon as that 'Desperate Housewives' plinky plonk type music started playing over the dialog early in the proceedings I should have pressed the eject button.
But no, I thought what the heck, let me see how bad this thing can get. So, I sat through it, often on fast forward to escape the sheer dreariness of it. The dialog is simply awful. The story totally unbelievable, and the acting pedestrian at best.
I don't know if KFC put money into this thing, but if they didn't they sure got a ton of free product placement.
I found the "making of ..." documentary in the extras way more interesting than the film.
Easily one of the worst films I have ever forced myself to watch.
But no, I thought what the heck, let me see how bad this thing can get. So, I sat through it, often on fast forward to escape the sheer dreariness of it. The dialog is simply awful. The story totally unbelievable, and the acting pedestrian at best.
I don't know if KFC put money into this thing, but if they didn't they sure got a ton of free product placement.
I found the "making of ..." documentary in the extras way more interesting than the film.
Easily one of the worst films I have ever forced myself to watch.
Tradition and Family Forgiveness
FoxieLayd26 October 2004
This movie was definitely true to life. It made you laugh, it made you cry and it made you think. And wow, what a cast. Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, Josh Lucas and little Jonah Bobo (I see great things from this youngster in the future).
You can see the indifference right way when Jason (Lucas) calls his grandfather (Caine) and his estranged father (Walken) by their first names. Grandfather Henry's joy with the return of his son Turner and the family together again is short lived when his son announces he's only staying the night. Determined to bring the family back together, he plans a 'burial' trip that all family members, his son; his grandson and his great-grandson, must partake in as terms of his will. This is where the road to discovery begins.
If anyone has had family situations that need to be rectified in order to bring the family back together, this film will most assuredly put the spark in your heart to do so.
You can see the indifference right way when Jason (Lucas) calls his grandfather (Caine) and his estranged father (Walken) by their first names. Grandfather Henry's joy with the return of his son Turner and the family together again is short lived when his son announces he's only staying the night. Determined to bring the family back together, he plans a 'burial' trip that all family members, his son; his grandson and his great-grandson, must partake in as terms of his will. This is where the road to discovery begins.
If anyone has had family situations that need to be rectified in order to bring the family back together, this film will most assuredly put the spark in your heart to do so.
Intimate
Polaris_DiB19 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is what is known as a "mid-sized movie", full of recognizable, but good, character actors, engaging dialog, strong intimacy, and no need to dazzle and impact a viewpoint of the audience. As that, it is perfect.
The plot involves four generations of the Lair family, a kooky great-grandfather who deals with his impending death by thinking up alternative funerals, a grandfather who has been missing for decades due to a history of alcoholism and thievery, a son who "just wants to be normal" (we always know how well that works in family-driven films...), and a grandson who wants to go along for the ride because it will be fun. Once the grandfather (Walken) comes home, the great-grandfather makes some plans... only he has to die to make sure his progenitors will carry it through. Enter a road-trip, some spice-of-life, and a generous heaping of self-discovery, and voila, you get the prototype for this film.
I think what's interesting about this movie is that it's full of dazzling panoramic long-shots of New Mexican sunsets, and yet in those shots maintains a close intimacy with the characters. Intimacy is the defining word in every case for this movie, as even when the characters are trying their darnedness to reject their family, their words bleed a need to be together. And they all know it.
This movie isn't the type to last on the conscious of many viewers because it's so quiet and devoted, but it has strong sticking power to those few who really enjoy its color and colorful characters.
--PolarisDiB
The plot involves four generations of the Lair family, a kooky great-grandfather who deals with his impending death by thinking up alternative funerals, a grandfather who has been missing for decades due to a history of alcoholism and thievery, a son who "just wants to be normal" (we always know how well that works in family-driven films...), and a grandson who wants to go along for the ride because it will be fun. Once the grandfather (Walken) comes home, the great-grandfather makes some plans... only he has to die to make sure his progenitors will carry it through. Enter a road-trip, some spice-of-life, and a generous heaping of self-discovery, and voila, you get the prototype for this film.
I think what's interesting about this movie is that it's full of dazzling panoramic long-shots of New Mexican sunsets, and yet in those shots maintains a close intimacy with the characters. Intimacy is the defining word in every case for this movie, as even when the characters are trying their darnedness to reject their family, their words bleed a need to be together. And they all know it.
This movie isn't the type to last on the conscious of many viewers because it's so quiet and devoted, but it has strong sticking power to those few who really enjoy its color and colorful characters.
--PolarisDiB
Wake me when it's over.
frannytrueman13 October 2014
Banal, confusing, with a seemingly endless stream of lame histrionics. The actors appear to be sleepwalking. A tiresome one-note piece of crap.
Caine manages to camp it up dutifully. Even more than usual, Walken appears to be impersonating a corpse. The score is annoying and irrelevant. The narrative contains not a single amusing scene. The whole mélange is an insult to the creative and productive act.
So unremittingly awful that only those seeking a near-death experience should even consider it. Rigor mortis will set in quickly. It will drive anybody in search of even a tincture of human sensibility Around the Bend.
Not even with Monopoly money, folks.
Caine manages to camp it up dutifully. Even more than usual, Walken appears to be impersonating a corpse. The score is annoying and irrelevant. The narrative contains not a single amusing scene. The whole mélange is an insult to the creative and productive act.
So unremittingly awful that only those seeking a near-death experience should even consider it. Rigor mortis will set in quickly. It will drive anybody in search of even a tincture of human sensibility Around the Bend.
Not even with Monopoly money, folks.
Perfect gem of a film...
scotforever21 September 2004
I absolutely loved this film, it is everything that a film can be. the only minor flaw, which was un-noticeable to the friend that i saw it with, was Michael Caine's accent drifting across the Atlantic. But you didn't really care.
It is perfectly cast, brilliantly acted, and you believed in and cared for the characters, they are so human with their natural flaws, you are rooting for them all.
The story is fascinating, and it will strike a chord with anyone with a father, particularly anyone estranged from their father. It is funny, witty, charming, touching and delightful.
See it with a loved one...you shouldn't regret it.
It is perfectly cast, brilliantly acted, and you believed in and cared for the characters, they are so human with their natural flaws, you are rooting for them all.
The story is fascinating, and it will strike a chord with anyone with a father, particularly anyone estranged from their father. It is funny, witty, charming, touching and delightful.
See it with a loved one...you shouldn't regret it.
I'll never get those 83 minutes back!!
simonrosenbaum20 October 2009
I found this to be one of the most tedious and pointless films I've ever seen. According to the DVD cover it was suppose to be funny and a masterpiece. It was neither what it was was slow and depressing. It tried to be profound, nearly every line spoken was spoken like it was the most profound thing ever said. None of the characters were either likable or even that believable. At the start gathering from the music it was trying to be whimsical but it was as flat as a pancake. Despite having two great actors in Michael Caine and Christopher Walken not even they could save this from being a stone cold turkey. The only good thing about this film was the soundtrack and the cinematography (New Mexico always looks amazing). 2/10
One of the best movies ever
amarigautreau10 October 2005
This is a wonderful movie, beautifully acted by Christopher Walken, Michael Caine and Josh Lucas...it's funny, droll, touching....a great character study. I don't know why it didn't get more notice. I've always thought Christopher Walken was a fine actor...this movie made me see him as brilliant. I truly loved it. The story is based on the relationships of 4 generations of men in one family; from the grandfather - Michael Caine - to the six-year-old son of Josh Lucas.This is the story of so many families and my favorite line is Michael Caine's to his grandson, Josh Lucas, about Josh's 'broken' father, Christopher Walken: "I carried you, you carried me, we need to carry him." It's what families do. I loved that.
Some good performances...but the overall film left me a bit cold.
planktonrules28 October 2022
When the story begins, Turner (Christopher Walken) returns home after being gone for decades. His father, Henry (Michael Caine), is ecstatic to see him but his son, Jason (Josh Lucas), sure isn't. After all, his father abandoned him when he was a kid. Turner's grandson (Jonah Bobo) is very young...and he's just excited to see his grandfather that he thought was dead. But the reunion does NOT go well...and it's obvious Turner and Jason won't be talking or exchanging any warm embraces.
Soon after, the grandfather, son and grandson receive word that great-grandpa (Caine) has died and was cremated. They are surprised when they learn that great-granddad left some very long and detailed instructions about what to do with his remains...and it results in a long, drawn out road trip across America. Is there any hope for Jason and Turner to make some sort of reconciliation?
The acting in this movie is good. But the story, well, it left me kind of cold. Much of it is because if you are looking for an obvious message, you might not find it. Also, while the film looked like a comedy at first, it is deadly serious...and is not exactly 'fun' to watch. Perhaps you'll get more out of it than I did...I hope you do.
Soon after, the grandfather, son and grandson receive word that great-grandpa (Caine) has died and was cremated. They are surprised when they learn that great-granddad left some very long and detailed instructions about what to do with his remains...and it results in a long, drawn out road trip across America. Is there any hope for Jason and Turner to make some sort of reconciliation?
The acting in this movie is good. But the story, well, it left me kind of cold. Much of it is because if you are looking for an obvious message, you might not find it. Also, while the film looked like a comedy at first, it is deadly serious...and is not exactly 'fun' to watch. Perhaps you'll get more out of it than I did...I hope you do.
Engaging, with a winning Christopher Walken performance.
TxMike1 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This simple movie focuses on the 4 generations of the men in the Lair family. It opens with 3 of them -- great grandfather Henry (Michael Caine), father Jason (Josh Lucas), and son Zach (cute little Jonah Bobo). Only the grandfather, Turner (Christopher Walken) is missing. We realize this when he shows up, the first time he has been seen in 30 years. While Jason wants some answers, Turner just refers to that as ancient history and wants to talk about today. I have never been disappointed in a role of Christopher Walken's, and this one is not exception. While all the actors are adequate, Walken is the one who makes the movie interesting, these 4 generations of Lair man trying to be a family again. Glenne Hedley has a whimsical role as a Danish nanny caring for Henry. Worth a watch.
SPOILERS. Turner had been in prison for theft and when he shows up everyone assumes he has been released. But he was in a hospital for dialysis from kidney failure and he just walked out, and planned to stop and see his family on the way to a spot near the Mexico border. But his travel was delayed when old Henry dies suddenly, leaves a handwritten will, and instructions for the other 3 to take his ashes (along with the dog's) on a road trip to scatter at various places, as a requirement for his will to be valid. This reunites father and son and, Jason's limp wasn't really from an auto accident when he was young, instead his dad, Turner, a former drunk, had thrown him from some stairs. Turner wanted to get back to a particular cliff near Mexico where his son had been conceived, and died in the car right after his son drove him there.
SPOILERS. Turner had been in prison for theft and when he shows up everyone assumes he has been released. But he was in a hospital for dialysis from kidney failure and he just walked out, and planned to stop and see his family on the way to a spot near the Mexico border. But his travel was delayed when old Henry dies suddenly, leaves a handwritten will, and instructions for the other 3 to take his ashes (along with the dog's) on a road trip to scatter at various places, as a requirement for his will to be valid. This reunites father and son and, Jason's limp wasn't really from an auto accident when he was young, instead his dad, Turner, a former drunk, had thrown him from some stairs. Turner wanted to get back to a particular cliff near Mexico where his son had been conceived, and died in the car right after his son drove him there.
Loved it
joekea14 May 2006
I found this in a video store and with the great cast (not always a good indicator!) and the list of awards won I took a chance on it being good. As is often the case when you have little expectation you are most pleasantly surprised. I thought the characters were wonderful the setting and photography beautiful and the soundtrack really made it. There are also nice little touches where an item seen in a passing shot has a connection to something later in the film.
The only weakness I felt was Josh Lucas in the role of the child's father. It was hard to make any genetic connection with the characters played by Michael Caine or Christopher Walken. It's not that his acting was poor he just didn't seem to fit in. Please try and see the movie - I doubt that you'll be disappointed.
The only weakness I felt was Josh Lucas in the role of the child's father. It was hard to make any genetic connection with the characters played by Michael Caine or Christopher Walken. It's not that his acting was poor he just didn't seem to fit in. Please try and see the movie - I doubt that you'll be disappointed.
Great greater greatest
diand_22 May 2005
Although I'm not familiar with any of the makers of the movie, I must say it was an amazing experience. Playing to a packed house I was very lucky to pick up the last tickets. It was just what I love about a great night out and it even exceeded my already high expectations.
What I especially loved what the writing: Interesting plot twists abound plus the unconventional format of a road movie. And so funny to use all those different, wonderful KFC locations. Character development and bonding was also very nicely paid attention to like any great family drama.
That these great actors weren't nominated for an Oscar is beyond me (ok, Walken had its flaws but you can expect that from him). Even the lovely score we were still singing on our way home. Great editing also, very interesting to leave some key passages out of the story: it rendered a totally new perspective.
The only minor complaint I have was the mentioning of drug addiction and child abuse: the movie could very well do without. And our grandmother fell asleep, but that's not a bad sign per se.
What I especially loved what the writing: Interesting plot twists abound plus the unconventional format of a road movie. And so funny to use all those different, wonderful KFC locations. Character development and bonding was also very nicely paid attention to like any great family drama.
That these great actors weren't nominated for an Oscar is beyond me (ok, Walken had its flaws but you can expect that from him). Even the lovely score we were still singing on our way home. Great editing also, very interesting to leave some key passages out of the story: it rendered a totally new perspective.
The only minor complaint I have was the mentioning of drug addiction and child abuse: the movie could very well do without. And our grandmother fell asleep, but that's not a bad sign per se.
Mindblowing surprise
Tubular_Bell29 May 2006
I can't give this movie a perfect score, which I reserve for classic, Earth-shattering movies that may truly change one's ways of watching movies. But I give this a high nine, and as it stands, this is one of the very, very few movies that I could watch dozens of times more without ever feeling tired, and wanting more. This is a gripping, fearless movie that instead of drenching itself with tears and syrup, it grips you and plays with your feelings as if it owned you. You'll have to be willing to be taken over, of course, but once you do, you're in for a ride.
Honestly, I find it a bit banal to label this as a "road movie". To me, it's a genuinely comical family drama. I had great laughs with this movie, the way it was written and directed, and with the actors' performances, but especially because it wasn't aching to be a comedy. Nothing here looked contrived and forced, and none of the events, no matter how unexpected, felt like it didn't belong there. And we're talking about one interesting plot here. I suppose you can find a good synopsis of the movie elsewhere, so I'd rather settle on the review proper here, instead of giving details of how the movie goes. Suffice to say, it's a powerful story, intelligently written, cleverly paced, directed and acted with talent and care. You see, most times I demand a film to have content, something interesting to say, which this movie certainly has. But I was also delighted and entertaining by the way the movie was told. Being this Jordan Roberts's first effort, I think it's a particularly impressive one.
As for the actors, you must know them by heart, and if you're a fan of any of them, you won't be disappointed. Yes, Caine's present in only a fifth of the movie's length, but it's a memorable performance alright. Christopher Walken is the main force in the movie, and I really enjoyed his performance and his character, Turner. Lots of fun. Josh Lucas's character, Jason, isn't as immediately striking, but he's quite intricate, and the performance here is just spot on. And of course, the big focus isn't on either of them exclusively, but on their relationship. I just wasn't expecting to be so utterly amazed by Jonah Bobo, though! I was already familiar with his work on the children's cartoon The Backyardigans, doing the voice of my favourite character, no less. But to me, at least, he stole the scene almost every time; even when he didn't say a thing, for he could show only with his facial expressions, his movements and everything else, his character and what he was going through, in particular how curious he was about Turner and how attuned he was getting to him, and vice versa. It's worthy to mention how, in the "making of" documentary, we see he's a playful, intelligent and happy kid, and that he can switch into another kid entirely, wholly absorbed by the movie, with so much ease. I can't say the movie couldn't possibly be anywhere below "okay" with Jonah in it, and yes, I'm aware Caine and Walken are in it too. But the movie isn't just about that. It's much more. And if people can give up their resistance and make themselves ready for a thrilling, shameless emotional ride, this is a movie I can recommend. It's short, yes, but if you feel it's too short, just watch it again.
Honestly, I find it a bit banal to label this as a "road movie". To me, it's a genuinely comical family drama. I had great laughs with this movie, the way it was written and directed, and with the actors' performances, but especially because it wasn't aching to be a comedy. Nothing here looked contrived and forced, and none of the events, no matter how unexpected, felt like it didn't belong there. And we're talking about one interesting plot here. I suppose you can find a good synopsis of the movie elsewhere, so I'd rather settle on the review proper here, instead of giving details of how the movie goes. Suffice to say, it's a powerful story, intelligently written, cleverly paced, directed and acted with talent and care. You see, most times I demand a film to have content, something interesting to say, which this movie certainly has. But I was also delighted and entertaining by the way the movie was told. Being this Jordan Roberts's first effort, I think it's a particularly impressive one.
As for the actors, you must know them by heart, and if you're a fan of any of them, you won't be disappointed. Yes, Caine's present in only a fifth of the movie's length, but it's a memorable performance alright. Christopher Walken is the main force in the movie, and I really enjoyed his performance and his character, Turner. Lots of fun. Josh Lucas's character, Jason, isn't as immediately striking, but he's quite intricate, and the performance here is just spot on. And of course, the big focus isn't on either of them exclusively, but on their relationship. I just wasn't expecting to be so utterly amazed by Jonah Bobo, though! I was already familiar with his work on the children's cartoon The Backyardigans, doing the voice of my favourite character, no less. But to me, at least, he stole the scene almost every time; even when he didn't say a thing, for he could show only with his facial expressions, his movements and everything else, his character and what he was going through, in particular how curious he was about Turner and how attuned he was getting to him, and vice versa. It's worthy to mention how, in the "making of" documentary, we see he's a playful, intelligent and happy kid, and that he can switch into another kid entirely, wholly absorbed by the movie, with so much ease. I can't say the movie couldn't possibly be anywhere below "okay" with Jonah in it, and yes, I'm aware Caine and Walken are in it too. But the movie isn't just about that. It's much more. And if people can give up their resistance and make themselves ready for a thrilling, shameless emotional ride, this is a movie I can recommend. It's short, yes, but if you feel it's too short, just watch it again.
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