Good movie overall, but just not Oscar worthy

Rating: 5/10 (11 February 2007)

I wanted to see this movie in theaters but ended up catching it on DVD instead. I had heard the hype and was aware of all the award buzz and thought to myself, "this must be a really good movie". Having finally watched it, I felt like I was letdown. I got that emptiness you feel when you expect something big and receive something small. Don't get me wrong, the movie was definitely good, but that's it....just good.
I'm a total Steve Carrell bandwagon guy since Anchorman and the 40 year old virgin and felt he really did a fantastic job blending in with the rest of the crew so its not only him you notice. And kudos for showing us his broad range when it comes to acting, I totally believed his suicidal character 100%. He pulled it off with ease. And the rest of the crew deserves nods too, especially Alan Arkin as Grandpa.
Though the acting was really good, the story was average. A simple feel good road trip movie is all you're really gonna get. And wow! that gas station scene where somehow they realize the youngest one in their group isn't with them anymore when they start to drive away...that's just silly.
I can't say anymore because I don't want to be portrayed as someone who dislikes this film, I enjoyed it overall, just not as much as for example, "The Illusionist". So really, this movie is basic proof that you should judge for yourself and not be consumed what everyone else says until you've seen it first.