Driveways - Uma Amizade Inesperada

The greatness of this film lies in its modesty. And its existential depth is at the very heart of its narrative sobriety. In a low profile performance of exceptional restraint, profoundness and precision - like an old samurai - Dennehy is at the top of his game. He shows us for one of the last time before his death the great actor he was, despite his "B movie / Movie of the Week" reputation.

When "slice of life" movies are done right, they typically rank very high on my year-end lists. Driveways isn't necessarily about one particular thing or theme. But it certainly pulls on the heartstrings, asks you to think as an audience member, and ultimately sends you off with a beautiful last 15-20 minutes or so. It reminded me of films like St. Vincent and Sunshine Cleaning in the best ways, and I'm glad that being a Film Independent Member allowed me the opportunity to see this movie so that I can hopefully spread the word to other film fans who would also enjoy it.

8.8/10

Roughly an hour and twenty minutes, this movie does not waste effort or time. It is a compelling story of friendship, life choices, and aging, all accomplished in a neat and tidy little package. The acting from your three leads is terrific and the directing is on point, as the film engages the viewer in three stories about life at three distinct ages, and the opportunities that emerge for empathy and friendship between them. I recommend this film, as well as Spa Night by the same director.

"Drive a little slower. Take your time. Take a good look at stuff." Del (Brian Dennehy)

Driveways is an internet film taking its time letting us know that friendship and love have no racial or age boundaries. We've seen this motif before: 8-year-old Cody befriends laconic octogenarian neighbor Del (it's not too much Gran Torino or UP) with the least sentimentality among the three and the least dialogue.

Yet, the love that envelops them, even with Cody's single Asian-American mom, Kathy (Hong Chau), who is not a stirring mother, is so unprepossessing that like Cody at his 9th birthday, life has happened in small increments, almost imperceptibly. The life including bullying kids and cleaning up a recently-deceased Aunt's mess of a home takes on a romantic sheen as the duo experience kindly neighbors and a comfortably-cleaned home.

In a small way it's like Seinfeld without the laughs-it's about nothing or rather the little things of life that begin to make up a happy life. Firecrackers in the backyard by the bully boys seem more like a celebration of a new life for Kathy and Cody than a bombardment. It's also a fine addition to the coming-of-age canon, a staple from Star Wars through Driveways.

It's one of Brian Dennehy's last roles (he recently died), but one of his finest because it doesn't require him to use his former football- player heft or his menacing sheriff mien as in First Blood. The friendship between Cody and veteran Del is the real deal. Del has one nostalgic speech that you wish more of because he is talking, as in the opening quote, about enjoying the small parts of life whether you're 8 or 80.

"Small" as in Driveways, where the titular constructions are more than the separation between suburban homes-they're what binds them.

This is one of the cinematic gems you find every once in a while when you're poking around looking for something good. This is it. Dennehey gave a tender, thoughtful performance here and was backed up by fine support from Lucas Jaye and Hong Chau. Highly recommend.