User reviews

This is a road movie, I guess add it to the 450 made in the past 25 years, so perhaps people are tired of the genre. But I found it funny in more than a few spots. Not for everyone, obviously, but give it a chance, if you're in a risky, open minded mood.

Greetings again from the darkness. One of the more recent cinematic trends has been stories involving an adult child facing the plight of caring for an elderly parent. Some have chosen the comedic route, while others lean towards the all-too-real burden carried by care-givers. Writer-director Shana Feste (COUNTRY STRONG, 2010) continues her streak of tolerable fluff in this tale of a stressed single mother raising a challenging teenager while also dealing with daddy issues, and the octogenarian daddy at the source.

The film opens with said stressed mother Laura Jaconi (played by Vera Farmiga) in the midst of a therapy session as she talks through those long-simmering daddy issues ... and we get the feeling these same discussions have occurred numerous times over the years. As an actress, Ms. Farmiga is at her best in frazzled mode, and here she's a perfect fit. Her son Hoyt/Henry (Lewis McDougall, who was so good in A MONSTER CALLS) is a social misfit at his school, thanks in part to his mostly unwelcome and quite vivid artwork depicting faculty (and others) in various unclothed states. When he is expelled, private school becomes the best alternative, and Laura's need for cash coincides with her estranged father's (Christopher Plummer) simultaneous expulsion from his retirement center ... for morality reasons.

Daughter Laura has her dad listed as "Don't Pick Up" on her cell phone, and we understand before her that he is a rascal with a criminal streak. He even serves up an extremely rare pedophile joke - at the expense of his grandson. Laura's ongoing challenges are intensified when circumstances require her to drive her and her son cross country in a classic Rolls Royce that never comes close to blending in with the surroundings. The purpose of the road trip is so the father/grandfather can make secretive pot-selling trips along the way. This allows for cameos from such recognizable folks as Peter Fonda, Christopher Lloyd and Bobby Cannavale, the latter of which is Laura's ex-husband and biological father of her son.

Adding to the frenzy is Laura's commitment to her real lot in life - that of serial animal rescuer. Dogs are EVERYWHERE throughout the film - to the point that her father labels her the Pied Piper of mange. These type of interactions, along with the ruse of adult diapers and a bow and arrow sequence keep the film on the verge of slapstick; however, we can never accept that we are supposed to get a comedic kick out of Laura's too-much-to-handle lot, since it's mostly depressing.

Kristen Schaal as Laura's sister and insecure California goofball is always a welcome addition to any film, and Yahva Abdul-Mateen II brings a nice touch to one of the few characters we'd like to get to know better. Lousy childhood memories connected to present-day adult troubles just don't combine for effective humor in the light that the filmmaker seems to be aiming for. Though well-acted, a grown woman still in need of daddy's approval is just a bit too predictable and too much of a downer to work.

Christopher Plummer was good (he always is) but the rest of the film fell flat. Casting was off, story dull.

Don't even waste your time. Horrible. Horrible movie. If I could give it less than a star, I would.

One of the most contrived, slow paced, boring movies I have seen in a long time. Christopher Plummer as always is a excellent actor and does a good job in this. However jokes about being old are only funny for so long. Vera Farminga is passable, as usual shes nothing spectacular. The rest of the cast however was absolutely atrocious and I could not find a single redeemable thing about any of their performances. In a day and age with so many good indie films one must wonder why companies continue producing trash.

This is a good movie, why the low rating? Maybe people watch too much superhero garbage and can't tell what's good anymore.

It's sad that the other actors and crew will not have many viewing this movie! Honestly it really is horrible anyway. It's not funny like claimed. Plot is boring and you find yourself just wanting it to be over so you can be the first to the bathroom

This film tells the story of a road trip between a woman, her son and her estranged father. It is funny, eventful and bittersweet at the same time. I enjoyed it.

Simply a horrible movie. Slow paced, boring, and not very funny. The film had promise but failed to deliver on any level.

Went to see it with high hopes thinking it would be creative and fun, but what a mistake this movie is a complete train wreck, save your money for something good!

I agree with the other movie review site top critics, which is overly generous giving it 42%. No one can write in Hollywood anymore. Scripts are drone and lifeless and immature. Not creative at all. We need a new Hollywood. We need new ideas.

Redford was smart to move out of LA, but even his studio isn't working. Not far enough away?

We need FRESH minds and writers, mostly who are not childishly pushing some ridiculous agenda.

We want entertainment. Not boring, predictable robot writing.

Just saw Boundaries. It felt like putting on your most comfortable clothes, relaxing and being taken on an enjoyable journey. A very well written script that is witty and honest. I laughed out loud over and over. I identified with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the emotions that the film let me experience. The unfortunate remarks made by Peter Fonda that has negatively caused such bad press is a drag. I would highly recommend watching this treasure of a film you will not be disappointed. Don't miss it. It is REAL in every sense of the word.

Over acted. Predictable. Didn't laugh once. Not believable.

I love Christopher Plummer and was tempted to give it a higher rating because of him. But I can't. It's just not good

Christopher Plummer is always wizard, forever and ever. I like Vera Farmiga, although I don't think this script used her as well as some of her other recent work.

But Joey just seemed way too much like he was a child rapist, so idk. Maybe skip this one.

I am a big fan of action adventure...but the synopsis sounded interesting so we gave it a shot. Good movie, thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Horrible movie. Worst I have seen in years. I wish I could give it less than 1 star. Lame storyline.

These actors are much more suited for a job in fast food.

Someone had to be on drugs in order to finance this crapass movie. Wait till TNT starts playing. Don't waste your money.

My father passed away 10 years ago. He was a difficult man to walk this earth with. This movie made me feel that others walked the same walk as I did with their father. It made me feel less alone in this world. Thank you for sharing your story.

This movie theme has already been made several times in several different modes. It's always the same thing. OLD PEOPLE ARE FUNNY! Especially old people who deal drugs. hahahahahahaaaaaaaa yeah sure. That's hilarious, and so original.

Are you bored? Want to see what depths that boredom chasm you can reach? Watch this movie.