The Last Place on Earth

"The Last Place on Earth" came as a total surprise. We took a chance with this indie film brilliantly directed by James Slocum who also wrote the screen play. Mr. Slocum achieves a small film that is a feast for the eyes as well as a story that we know can happen. The music score is by Eric Swanson. The thing that knocks the viewer out is the perfectly beautiful cinematography created by David Dechant; without a doubt, this film is gorgeous to watch because of all the natural settings that serve as background to the story. Also, the movie is greatly helped by the amazing editing of Frederich Wardell.

Mr. Slocum ought to be congratulated for not turning this film into a weep fest. Rob Baskin, the young man at the center of the story suffers a great loss when his mother dies. Her dying words seem prophetic for what Rob would experience after this tragedy. Taking some time off he runs into a young woman who is not afraid to give him a piece of her mind. Rob is taking time off from his boring bank job. Later, on the road, he meets Ann, the outspoken girl, and it turns out to be a match that will serve to liberate him from what he is doing in life in order to pursue his true call: music.

The film has such a sharp look, greatly helped by the vistas of the west one is taken to by Mr. Slocum in this voyage of discovery. Dana Ashbrook and Tisha Campbell play Rob and Ann two young Californians that fall in love. Phyllis Diller is seen briefly as the dying mother too sick, we know she will not survive. Also Billy Dee Williams has a small part as Ann's doctor. Brook Peters, another distinguished actor, plays Ann's father.

We shall be looking forward to other films by Mr. Slocum and wish him well in his future work.

I passed on watching this movie several times because I thought it might be depressing. When I did finally watch, I was pleasantly surprised. Although there are some sad moments, it is an uplifting film.

Rob Baskin is a man with lots of potential, but is a workaholic, conservative banker going through the motions of life. Ann is a free-spirited liberal caterer that brings out the best in Rob. Rob meets Ann while on a trip to scatter his mother's ashes and there is friction from the first meeting at a taco stand. When she has car trouble and he sees her on the side of the highway, he stops, not realizing it's that same person from the taco stand. Ann persuades Rob into giving her a ride and that's where the fun starts.

The characters are likable and the scenery is spectacular. You can't help but like these people and cheer for them.

Okay I will admit this was a very sappy fairytale love story. But who ever read fairy tales and understand what the word "tales" mean can get through it. I have seen it twice - loved the food prepared for the catered affair, enjoy seeing some of the places I have traveled. If interracial couples bother you then do not WATCH. One thing I found different from my American-African + Anglo relationships is the lack of exchange of cultural differences. Which was strongly pointed out in the movie "Something New". Almost all Anglo males I have dated I had to school in the A-A culture nuances. I did not see that in this movie. But my absolute fav was hearing a song from 1984 of Pat Benatar's "We Belong". Brought back some heartfelt memories. Well, what can I say its not the best nor does it make my all time worse - "Bachelor Party" with Tom Hanks. I will admit I did cry at the end but I'm just a little sappy at the heart.

This movie is a waste of a wonderful actress in Tisha Campbell. The characters are not given time to develop and therefore seem totally forced -- the main character (Dana Ashbrook) in particular made the story difficult to feel. I continued to watch hoping for some depth in a character that just lost his mother but... yea, nothing. The story line is predictable and there is no chemistry between the two at all. I have to disagree with the previous review and say that the film's score was melodramatic and overly sappy. Throw in awkward camera angles and distracting superimposed "dream-like" sequences and it just makes for a wholly unattractive film... I could go on & on but without spoiling it for those who still want to waste their time...I'll stop here. I'm not sure how this movie got such a high rating here but its definitely NOT worth the time.

This movie is very well done, it is a bittersweet love story and the acting is superb. I thought it to be very artsy and tasteful as well as containing a subtle undercurrent of socio-political comment. Somewhat reminiscent of Love Story, but with great music!

A young banker loses his Mother, and on the way to scatter her ashes at her preferred location meets a woman whose car has broken down. She cons him into giving her a lift and they spar a bit, eventually falling in love. He ends up taking extra time off from work and gets demoted upon his return, and eventually gives up banking altogether to pursue a music career. There are surprise twists so I wouldn't want to say too much and spoil it for those who have not seen it. I would buy this movie as well as watch it again and I recommend it to anyone who has ever had a great love.