This is a real movie lovers movie!

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2006)

It was a hot and steamy night, the screening line was long and even if we didn't get in we'd still have to pay for the parking. I've already sprung for a couple of iced Starbucks, and I'm wondering, why did I invite the friend who's with me...she doesn't like, anything. I needn't have worried, the good nature of this film embraces you early, and never lets you go. The characters all ring true and the actors are faithful to that truth. Some people might complain about the films sentimentality and that it is somewhat manipulative...but what the hey, when you're having this much fun, who cares? I do wonder though about the people who rate films, here is a warm, funny story about a family which, though dysfunctional, is caring and loving and it's rated R for language, and some drug use, while films featuring maiming, murder and a buffet of bloodletting slips by with a PG 13...go figure. The writer's take on the road picture is refreshing, the action stems from the cast's reaction to the vagaries of travel, rather than relying on chance encounters with unusual people.