Road trip movies: one of the more curious film subjects that inspire different reactions from movie lovers. What compels filmmakers to make movies and tell stories that take place on the road? Often times, they are depicted as broad comedies with a formulaic plot that include colorful characterizations, predictable writing, and grand schemes, with big finales. However this isn’t always the case.
Some of the most memorable films in recent years have centered on a road trip. So if you are in the mood for a movie about a bickering family, an aging Don Juan, or a wine aficionado taking to the road, then here is a sample of some the best worth checking out at the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL).
Released in 2006, Little Miss Sunshine has since become the quintessential American family road trip movie (and for good reason). The film chronicles one dysfunctional family’s road trip as they travel from Albuquerque to California so that the youngest member can compete in a child’s beauty pageant. But don’t be fooled by the simplistic plot; it introduces a variety of characters with distinct personalities from a suicidal scholar, a mute teenager, to a very fouled mouth old man. Containing humor that ranges from slapstick to the macabre, this is one road trip you aren’t sure how it’s going to end.
Speaking of unpredictability, check out David Lynch’s The Straight Story. The great Richard Farnsworth’s last screen performance was indeed in a road trip movie, but unlike one you have ever seen. Based on a true story and filled with sentiment, warmth, and compassion for its characters, The Straight Story follows one old man’s journey across Iowa and Wisconsin to visit his dying brother who he has not connected with in years. And by what means does this man travel: a John Deere lawn tractor.
One of the more amusing road trip movies I have seen is Broken Flowers starring Bill Murray. The plot is uncomplicated, but the hallmark of this film is Murray’s deadpan funny performance as an aging Don Juan. Having received a letter saying he fathered a child from a long ago previous relationship, a loner named Don takes a trip to go find the ex-girlfriend who may have wrote the letter. Featuring an assortment of funny supporting characters, bizarre scenarios, reoccurring motifs and a brilliant conclusion.
The 2004 film Sideways, one of the best comedies in years, completely redefines the road trip genre. Taking place in California wine country on a week long bachelor party, Miles, a depressed middle school teacher, aspiring writer and wine expert takes his best friend Jack, who is about to get married, on a trip to celebrate his “last week of freedom”. However nothing goes according to Miles’ plan, as both Jack and Miles fall for two women they meet on their trip. What follow the heroes are moments of terrific humor, grave misunderstandings, and beautiful scenery all done with great originality.
Sometimes familiarity works better than originality and that was certainly the case with The Guilt Trip. This is a typical movie about an overbearing mother and her straight-laced son bonding while taking a week long road trip. The success of the film is entirely due to the great chemistry the actors have on screen, who bring much warmth and humor to an otherwise recognizable story.
Petar Vidjen
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