The Road Within

Two things you should know about this film.

1. It works and you should see it. I don't want to make this more complicated than it needs to be. Humanistic films about an individual's problems set against the backdrop of a "road trip" are a tried-and-true Hollywood formula (think RAIN MAN, one of many) and this is one of the best. The characters are empathetic and engaging, the script is tight, and the direction by Gren Wells shows complete control of colors and settings (reminding me in many ways of the brilliant use of color in the series SENSE8). The two seasoned pros, Patrick and Sedgewick, are great but the young stars are nothing short of magnificent. Just see it.

2. Zoë Kravitz basically channels a young Angelina Jolie from the first moment she appears in frame to the last. Her performance is hypnotic, the camera loves her, you likely will too, and one expects to see a lot of more of her in films and in years to come.

There's no doubt that the script writing was done poorly. There are 3 main character and only one was dynamic. Many missed opportunities to shed light on the other two illnesses. I believe that the actors themselves did well with what was given to them. I'm not sure if the Tourette's was played accurately but I'm well aware that the OCD and anorexia well portrayed very well. Though the poor script diminishes the well-done portrayal because the characters have no story. They aren't written to throughly talk about their illnesses and it's affect on their lives. The road trip cliches were also added in but some were made necessary for the ending. I believe this had potential to be greater then what it was but not as bad as most are making it out to be.

So I just finished watching this film and I would first like to say, if you're looking for an exciting and riveting plot; you've come to the wrong place. However, if you prefer a story with incredibly compelling characters played by incredibly talented actors, than you definitely need to watch this movie. Robert Sheehan, who plays Vincent, does a remarkable job portraying someone with Tourette's without going overboard. Although some of what he says during his ticks are funny, you can tell that they also cause him agony and they is shown through his facial expressions and his tone of voice. Similarly, Dev Patel who plays Alex does another remarkable job of playing someone with OCD (at least in my opinion). Zoe Kravitz's character is both witty and carefree but also intensely tragic. I believe this movie has a good combination of feel good moments and moments where you truly empathize with the characters. Though the concept of a road trip plot is slightly overdone, the landscapes are beautiful and the three young actors have a way of keeping you interested and entertained the entire time. You find yourself wanting to know all of them on an even deeper level which I believe is quite telling of how compelling they are. There were moments that were difficult to watch and made me a bit emotional while there were also scenes where I laughed out loud. It really gives you a perspective on what it is like with a mental illness, especially as a teenager and the complications that they cause. Overall, not a perfect flick but Kravitz, Patel, and Sheehan are definitely worth checking this film out.

Absolutely loved this movie! It gives you real empathy for the things people and their families with these disabilities go through. It will make you want to cry at times but there are many laugh out loud moments. Somehow director, Gren Wells, manages to draw you into their world so that you laugh with the characters rather than at them, at the same time as you feel their pain. Can't say enough about the acting in this! Robert Sheehan, Dev Patel, and Zoe Kravitz are each outstanding and portray heartbreakingly real characters. Robert Patrick is wonderful as the frustrated father with no understanding of how to cope with his son and his challenges. Kyra Sedgewick as the doctor and director of an experimental program, is well cast and believable. Don't miss this one!

It sucks when you're trying to get a feel for a film and people associated with it post fake positive reviews. This director was clearly incompetent: the pacing is sluggish and she couldn't pull believable performances out of the cast. Everyone was wayyy over the top. Awful script is riddled with lame dialogue. Unfortunately you can't turn a pig into a lion.