En busca de la felicidad

This is a story you won't expect or even predict. It's totally a, "you have to watch" kind of movies. It's touching, true, and a little sad. The whole movie is so great you can't stop in the middle. It is definitely NOT for kids, it's a adult film for sure. Definitely a must see!

I just viewed this magnificent gem of a movie and was awed by how rich and complex it is despite the simplicity of its story and some production flaws. It is amazing how Cassie, at such a young age, manages to drive her life with Ben along to a great plan -- and see it to its fulfillment. Equally amazing is how Ben complies with it all along, and gives strength to Cas at her lowest point.

Overall, this is an adult fairy tale with the most realistic and bittersweet happily-ever-after ending anyone can hope to have. Grown-ups (like me) will be lead to re-examine their lives, while teens and young adults will take away many important points -- like the importance of having a plan they can hold on to for life, and of having someone with whom they can share their strengths to see it through.

This movie also sums up what I've long held to be true: a strong woman can make a man's life soar, and a man must recognize and respect this gift of her presence, if he is lucky enough to find her.

I feel lucky to have stumbled into this movie -- after nearly 5 years since it was shown! I hope more people will get to see it and spread its worth.

It's one of those serendipitous moments in life when you stumble upon a work of genius. Such a moment happened to me today as this film found its way onto my screen. I had no expectations, no preconceptions, and no idea what to expect, and I have to say I was utterly blown away.

This is one of those films that could never be simply described. An ultimately dark story of true companionship. Love definitely plays an essential part, but I think "Love story" gives the wrong impression. It is the adventure of two children, traveling through America and their childhood alike, dealing with an unfair handful or hurdles and hardships. The direction is impeccable, and allows the gifted young actors to excel to their full potential. Everything in this film is meticulously brilliant, and so refreshingly intelligent. It's unusual these days to find a film that doesn't patronize its audience. It is almost poetic in the way it gives as few words as possible. Some people may find this slow and boring, but these are people who fail to see between the lines, where the true story lies.

A film both heartwarming and heart-wrenching that will sharpen your braincells, moisten your cheeks, and really make you think about yourself and the life you lead.

There are many films that are like this on first impression. Road trips and coming of age stories have become, for the most part, worn out genres in Hollywood. But sometimes a little gem like this one will slip through the cracks.

The story is simple: boy and girl meet up, travel the road together, meet some colourful characters, unforeseen tragedy strikes, all leading to a bitter-sweet ending. It's all been done many times before. But not like this. I don't mean to say that this is the best road trip/coming of age film, simply that it is unique in it's style and visual look.

Despite the fact that it came out in 2007, this movie has the look of a film from the sixties or seventies. The camera quality is not very good, and the whole picture feels tinged with some sepia (?) colouring.

It feels almost as if it were made unprofessionally, though the appearance of notable actors like Val Kilmer, Heather Graham, and AnnaSophia Robb suggests otherwise.

In short, it looks like it was filmed by the same camera that did Birdemic. But perhaps the most endearing quality to this film is it's slightly amateurish look.

It seems like it should be either a complete sentimental schlock-fest , or a no budget trashy direct to video.

But it isn't.

It succeeds on several levels emotionally, and provides characters we grow to care for. If you can get past the grainy visuals you will find a story of surprising depth.

In the 60's, in West Texas, twelve year-old Ben (Cayden Boyd) is a boy neglected by his parents. His mother (Lara Flynn Boyle) is obsessed by the movie stars of Hollywood and every afternoon she goes to the movie theater, while his father spends his spare time building a boat. One night, there is a car wreck in front of Ben's parents dining where only the girl Cassie (AnnaSophia Robb) survives with a broken arm. Ben's parents lodges Cassie during her recovery and she becomes friend of Ben. Later the mature girl convinces Ben to travel with her to Baltimore, where her modern and liberal aunt (Heather Graham) and uncle (Dylan McDermott) live. They hitchhike through Arkansas, Kentucky and Virginia in a journey of friendship and discoveries until they reach Baltimore. Their adventure ends when Cassie has a breakdown and is interned in the Mercy Psychiatric Ward in Virginia and Ben joins the Military Academy in North Caroline to stay close to Cassie. But the girl had a plan for them and Ben gives his best effort to make her dream come true.

One of these days I saw the trailer of "Have Dreams, Will Travel" and I liked it so much that I bought the DVD. I have just watched this sweet and touching road movie and I really loved the story, the screenplay, the performances and the direction. I do not know whether it is intentional or not, but there are many scenes of the camera against the light creating dark images that I did not like. AnnaSophia Robb is amazing, with another awesome performance in a complex role. Cayden Boyd is also fantastic in the difficult role of Ben. Val Kilmer has a minor participation, but I believe this is his best interpretation and role in the last years. The secret of Cassie is a heartbreaking moment in the plot and the conclusion is very beautiful. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Em Busca da Felicidade" ("Searching Happiness")