Have Dreams, Will Travel

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.

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.

"Have Dreams, Will Travel" is a quirky sort of movie, full of little eccentricities and minor faults that make up its personality. Writer/director Brad Isaacs is not overly ambitious, probably quite aware of his limitations as a first-time director. He has structured what amounts to the filmed equivalent of a short story, very economical and specific.

The star of this film is Cayden Boyd, who plays Ben - a kid who tends to disappear into the shadows. His lack of identity seems to be polar opposite to Cassie (AnnaSophia Robb). Ben lives at a diner with his boat-obsessed father and his movie-obsessed mom. One rainy night, there is a terrible car wreck outside the diner, and the only survivor is young Cassie. After she is nursed back to health, Cassie decides that she and Ben would be best off to hit the road and head east.

That's the basic set-up for the film, which is largely a road trip. They meet many interesting characters on the way to Baltimore, one of the most so who is played by Val Kilmer. His role in this film is only slightly more significant than his appearance in "The Missing", but he is quite excellent as a depressed pig farmer. Stephen Root is very good as an interfering sheriff character.

Although somewhat lightweight at the beginning, "Have Dreams, Will Travel" proves itself to be a far deeper (and darker) film than it first appears to be. In fact, it turns out to be not quite the kids you might assume it is. Perhaps that makes it a little schizophrenic, but it works quite well in this case. Overall, this film is individual and original enough to be more than worth the watch. It has a certain quality that feels strange yet heartwarming. Robb and Boyd give their very best performances in two quite difficult roles, and more than make the film what it is.

RATING: 7.5 out of 10

The story stretches between a girl & a boy alongside facing life's forthgivings. The cast, story-line and emotional attachments to the characters are mag magnified and well filled.

Unpopular opinion; Feels somewhat like bridge to terabithia..2! Why anna sophia robb keep appering in these kinda stories, gosh.

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.