Now Playing: (2004, Jordan Roberts) [seen in theatre]
So this is another one of those "heartwarming" little movies about a straightlaced dad coming to terms with his screw-up dad. If you're into this sort of this, then adjust my rating accordingly. Personally, I thought this was more suitable to a "special television event", had they only trimmed a few of the swear words uttered by star Christopher Walken. After the smotheringly quirky opening reel (featuring Michael Caine as Walken's dying dad) the film settles into a road-movie pattern, in which, as you may or may not have guessed, Caine dies, and estranged son Walken, resentful banker grandson Josh Lucas, and spunky great-grandson take to the highway to disperse his ashes according to his dying wishes. Of course, we all know what will happen- this subgenre is nothing if not comfort food- but I suppose the movie works well enough for what it is, even if I don't especially care for what it is. Walken is predictably solid, and features in a nice understated scene where he plays the piano while Lucas listens on. Plus it all wraps up in less than an hour and a half. But it's just so... insubstantial. I don't ask for epics or even transcendent art every time out- just give me something to grasp on to, OK? Is that too much to ask?
Posted by hkoreeda
at 3:47 AM EDT
