Cas & Dylan

Tatiana Maslany and Richard Dreyfuss are basically the only two actors of importance in this movie. One plays the young joyful girl with no worries and a solution for everything and the other plays the old grumpy man that wants to be left alone. Together they go on a big road trip so that's basically what you will get for the entire movie. And of course like in all movies with this theme opposites poles attrack each other so you get an entertaining story, a bit sad at times but also with some happiness. The acting is good, the story very simple without too much action, overall a movie worth watching if you don't need constant action.

I saw this film at the Glasgow Film Theatre followed by a Q & A with the cast (bar Tatiana) and it made me cry.

It is a road trip film following the relationship between a terminally ill doctor (Richard Dreyfuss) and a young carefree female (Tatiana Maslany). I wasn't sure what to expect from the trailer but the movie is funny and gets funnier as the dynamic between the two characters strengthens, however there are also some very emotional parts in the movie and it's hard not to shed a tear or two. As the film develops you learn a little bit more about each of the characters and how they could learn a thing or to from each other. It's a charming movie with wonderful acting throughout and a strong directorial debut for Jason Priestley.

I love road trip movies, mismatched pairs, and irrepressible young women. this movie has them all plus the old pro, Richard Dreyfuss, perfect as the loner-curmudgeon. Hard to see how any man could resist the looks and charm of his female co-star, also. The movie does not attempt to have Big Meaning, but should be enjoyed on its own terms. Also, some nice scenery on the journey. The story is well-paced with no overly long scenes. it will not appeal to those of the hard-boiled, real life school, although it does have a good measure of that. But it is mixed with the whimsy. You can see the relationship between the two actors develop throughout the trip and that is the heart of the story.

As a Canadian, I have a soft spot for films that depict my country. Cas & Dylan is a remarkable film starring Dreyfuss who made his international debut in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, another great Canadian movie. I feel that Dreyfuss should be given some Canadian award for the work he's done here, because Cas & Dylan is a great depiction of Canada as far as Canadian sensibilities to the issues that are brought forth in this film. This could not have been filmed in the US. It simply wouldn't have worked. Throughout the movie, you are brought along on a journey of discovery, a journey that culminates in a surprisingly positive vibe. This is a journey not only across my beautiful country, but a journey through the souls of two peculiarly matched characters. For fans of Dreyfuss, this is a treat. Overall, this film is geared toward filling your heart and soul. Highly recommended.

I did a "quick check" on Cas & Dylan on IMDb when I saw it on the TV listings, and was reluctant to watch it for several reasons: Firstly, I saw that it had only been rated by a whopping 635 people, had a rating of 6.6, and lastly…starred Richard Dreyfuss. The truth is, Richard Dreyfuss' films of years ago are seriously among some of my most cherished of all time, including Always and Once Around. But I hadn't seen him do anything in years, and when I did, in Leaves of Grass (small role)…his acting seemed unnatural. I was left thinking that he had lost his acting skill.

Anyway, thought I'd give it a shot anyway. And it only took five minutes into the film before I was taken in, and smiling at both his smooth acting as well as Tatiana Maslany's. After five minutes more, I was further charmed by Mr. Dreyfuss' timing and humor, and pleasantly pleased that considering his age, he was very well cast for the film.

I've read reviews of others who are familiar with Tatiana Maslany, but I've never seen her before this role. So I was struck by this surprisingly talented young actress's personality and presence. She was a big part of what had me so much enjoy this movie. I'm very attracted to films like this, that focus on the characters, the heart of the film itself and the subtleties within it, as the "goal" or the intent of the film.

All in all, this was a quite enjoyable little film, with beautiful scenery, charm, and enough to have me shed a couple tears (the good kind). And any movie that does that has accomplished something special – touching one's heart is a good thing. So bravo to Mr. Dreyfuss for some pretty darn good acting in front of the camera (at ~70 years old!), and bravo to Tatiana Maslany for a perfectly natural and wonderful personality shining through in her acting as well.