The Road to Galena

So glad I had the opportunity to experience this lovely film. The story unfolded in a way that really brought me along a journey and the actors, although unfamiliar to me prior, were compelling. Cudos for casting Jay O Sanders and Jill Hennessy as Cole's parents. The approach they took to anchor Cole's backstory really works. In fact, one of the more powerful elements for me was the relationship between Cole and his parents. In particular, I won't forget Jay's powerful performance anytime soon.

In addition to top notch acting, the cinematography is very impressive. The wonderful expansive scenery of rural farmland surrounding a small close knit town contrasted well with dramatic scenes of Washington DC. I found the interplay between locations helped create an ideal context for the story.

Have recommended it to friends and family and suggest readers of this do the same !

Some reviews level criticism at this film for being too cliche, but they forget that some themes seem cliche because they contain enduring truths. Clearly a labor of love by the writer/director, this film is one of the most authentic and heartfelt that I've ever seen. He knows the farm life intimately. He knows the big city life and the challenges of marriage and career just as well. The script is structured in a way that flows naturally and is easy to follow, compared to similar films that jump back in time in ways that are confusing. The acting is superb, though these aren't the most famous actors for sure, you'll remember them after watching this. The story unfolds slowly and organically. Though it's a relatively long film, there are no wasted scenes. This is what fine traditional filmmaking looks and feels like.

Great filming that makes you think about the important things in life. It's a heartwarming story with excellent music selections and beautiful shots of Eastern shore Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.

The film shows the struggles of running a small farm and how large companies can quickly change a way of life. The films contrasts the lives of small-town America with the life of someone who left the small town and moved to the big city (DC). There are great shots of the DC area.

I would highly recommend! The movie was enjoyable and a hidden gem. Although relatively unknown, the actors did a great job and the story is classic.

In a film industry saturated with the recycled stories of life in the city, the Road to Galena provides a refreshing window into the life of Cole Baird, a man who dreams of running his own farm. While he wants to follow his dream, he's torn between his desires and the expectations of family.

Joe Hall does a wonderful job of depicting the struggle that's all to relatable to the majority of viewers. His direction was executed to perfection by Ben Winchell, playing Cole Baird, and Aimee Teegarden, playing Elle Shepard. But what really brought the show home was the stellar performance of Jay Sanders, playing John Baird. The raw emotion was palpable and anchored any scene he was in.

Overall, I would recommend The Road to Galena to any viewer who's looking for a story that differs from the oh so familiar cookie cutter formula present in today's movies. It's well worth the watch and will leave you wanting more.

Excellent story, I assume, based on a personal experience...Nice intertwining of friendships and family with good acting and an understandable plot that leaves you with the very real sense of self - being true to yourself. Small town living in a farming community has as many challenges as any big city life; if not more. The actors portrayed their characters very authentically - very real. Very glad I turned this on; just what I needed to see this evening - a sad yet positive outcome of a LIFE/lives and the choices we make for better or worse that lead us on to another chapter of our lives and what success means to each. I felt the father of Cole could have been a better selected role but all things considered? He did an ample job of the guy who settles for less due to circumstances; often doing the honorable thing instead of following his true choices for a life.