No phone, no pool, no pets. No cigarettes.

Rating: 9/10 (23 January 2009)

I can only imagine that there are many others, like myself and Chris, who want to be free of those "irksome obligations," and just take off. Unfortunately, most, like myself, will never do it. The story of Chris is a vicarious thrill for me.
I was anxious to see him head to "slab city," ever since I saw Plagues and Pleasures on the Salton Sea. It has been one of those places I wanted to explore. But, that had to wait as he headed for South Dakota. It didn't matter where he went, there were outstanding scenes to experience and great people along the way.
I have to say that Vince Vaughn really impressed me in this film. This is not the Vince Vaughn that I do not like.
Rather than wait 12 years for a permit, he just took off down the river. If he hadn't he wouldn't have met Sonja and Rads.
Finally, Salton Sea, and Rainey and Jan (Catherine Keener) again; and Tracey (Kristen Stewart). He was a gentleman and saved her for the vampire to come.
A stop on the way to gain wisdom from the great Hal Holbrook, and it's time to go. "But when you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines through you," Knowing people like his parents and the fact that similar things have happened due to their actions regarding their children, makes this story all the more personal. It is one that anyone can gain by seeing over and over.
A magnificent story, great scenery, fascinating people, and a grisly ending.
Emile Hirsch was amazing.