FILMBRATS - REVIEWS

Jason has been living happily with his son Zach, his grandfather Henry, and their live-in nurse. Sure, Henry and Jason argue every once in a while, but it’s only because Jason is adverse to the gigantic adventures Henry wishes he could still go on (and plans for anyway). One day, out of the blue, Jason’s father Turner shows up on their doorstep. Having just been released from prison and not being around to raise him, Jason is extremely wary and confrontational. When Henry dies, he plans one last adventure they must adhere to. One where the demons from the past come out in attempt to bring the family together in a way that just may be impossible.

The film starts off a little slow, but once it reaches its top speed, it stays there. That’s not to say it’s fast paced, but rather the interactions get to be more important and the story continually progresses and fleshes itself out. Writer Jordan Roberts (in his directorial debut) makes the ultimate dramedy. There are some heartfelt, emotionally charged scenes, but at the same time it comes right at you with a hearty comical moment. This film is funnier than most straight comedies you’ll see, while still having a poignant, touching core. It doesn’t pretend to be one genre or the other, but rather both at the same time. It can switch back and forth like a switch, without losing any of the impact. In general, I think that’s more representative of real life. Even during depressing circumstances, there can be incidents that make us laugh. Roberts captures this better than I have seen before.

As a director, Roberts doesn’t offer anything quite so new. He does a great job with the actors. He has an amazing cast to start with anyway. Josh Lucas as Jason, Michael Caine as Henry and Christopher Walken as Turner. There’s also this little boy named Jonah Bobo who plays Zach. He’s given some of the best lines and he knows how to deliver them. I think Roberts relies a little too much on the kid’s cuteness in a “Jerry Maguire” type way, but he is a good young actor nonetheless. The camerawork isn’t the best, but it serves its function and provides us with the standard fare.

Road trip movies are tough. Self-discovery movies are tough. They usually turn out overly clichéd and tend to beat the emotions into the audience’s head. This movie, however, is interesting. You want to see what happens on the pseudo-treasure hunt as they go from KFC to KFC (Henry’s favorite restaurant). You know at each stop something new will come out and they’ll deal with it on the way to the next secret. You want to know the answers to the questions, and, just like in life, some are left unrevealed. It’s a fun, sincere film complete with genuine and charming characters. Unlike “Without a Paddle” this is an adventure you want to go on.

respond to jon@filmbrats.com