Lost on Purpose

I was immediately reminded of "The Last Picture Show" and "Hud" after seeing "Lost on Purpose." It's a drama that takes a truthful glimpse into our changing country and tells it without gimmicks and bull-crap, unlike "Promised Land" by Gus Van Sant. It is a soulful journey full of insight and integrity. Although the area of Central California this is set is not necessarily the prettiest in the state, the filmmakers find the beauty of the land and the pathos of its people. They don't make a lot of films like this any more...but thank goodness the Nelms brothers have. Not sure if the rest of the audience recognized J. Robert Spencer from Broadway's "Jersey Boys," but I sure did. He's a sensational stage talent and great here in a small role. Phenomenal music by All The Real Girls as well and a charming performance by the musician, Peter Donovan. He's like John Cougar Mellencamp in Chuck Taylor's. Kudos as well to great secondary performances from Michelle Lang and Michael Lawson, whom I immediately recognized from HBO's "Enlightened."

Of co-directors / co-writers Eshom & Ian Nelms' last four films only "Waffle Street" had a third co-writer... and was the only dud. The others were fine: "Fatman", "Small Town Crime" (great) & 2013's small-town ensemble drama "Lost On Purpose" that's set around Jane Kaczmarek's dairy farm & it's family of labourers inc James Lafferty (meh), Aaron Hill (good), Michael Lawson & Tom Fugedi - who have a year of ups, downs, beers, music, girls, fighting, camaraderie & rural fun. Support comes from the likes of C Thomas Howell, Dale Dickey & Octavia Spencer to round off a relaxing, nostalgic tale. Decent fare. The Nelms' only should always write their movies it seems.

I loved everything about this movie. Coming from a small town myself, you feel nostalgic about the best parts of your growing up years while watching it. Even though this movie was about a California town, it really was about Anywhere, U.S.A. This is one of those movies that you need to watch a few times so you can really appreciate it to it's fullest. I've seen it twice now and I found more great things about it that I missed the first time I watched it. I can't wait to watch it again and again. I fall in love with new characters each time. Just when I thought I loved one more I found a new one to love. Excellent movie Nelms Brothers.

LOST ON PURPOSE is a wonderful film! You would never know that it had a low budget because the production values are so high. It is beautifully written and directed, has gorgeous cinematography and is perfectly cast. The storyline is captivating, the music is lovely and the acting is truly superb. It is funny and moving and even heartbreaking at times. The boys all share a wonderful dynamic and you can see that they had fun working together, it really shines through in the film.

A great job by everyone involved - I am so in love with this film that I am about to watch it for the second time today! Do yourself a favor and watch this movie, it has something for everyone and you won't be disappointed. I really enjoyed it!

In a small town in Central California, we meet five young ranch hands living and working on a dairy farm owned and run by the very capable Ms. Liz. I instantly felt as though I lived there with them on the farm - so vivid are their faces, emotions and dialogue. I became totally immersed in the struggles of these very real human beings. I laughed and I cried, I cheered and I ached.

The direction, acting and cinematography are superb. They meld together into something very warm and familiar - with the use of local settings, and that air of closeness so characteristic of rural communities. Everybody knows everybody and then some - which is not always a good thing! The cast is outstanding; the chemistry perfect. It's a wonderful mixture of the happily recognisable and the newly unforgettable.

The music score is wonderful. Each piece and song has been selected and performed so well, that they highlight and complement without encroaching. It is a memorable soundtrack that will have you seeking out the artists afterwards.

I'm Australian, living half a world away from where this film is set and the story nurtured - but this is my town too. These are my people. These are my struggles. And these are my triumphs. There is a good chance that they are yours too. I cannot recommend this film highly enough. You will be richer for seeing it, and it is one that will stay with you for a very long time.