The Road to Galena

Some reviews level criticism at this film for being too cliche, but they forget that some themes seem cliche because they contain enduring truths. Clearly a labor of love by the writer/director, this film is one of the most authentic and heartfelt that I've ever seen. He knows the farm life intimately. He knows the big city life and the challenges of marriage and career just as well. The script is structured in a way that flows naturally and is easy to follow, compared to similar films that jump back in time in ways that are confusing. The acting is superb, though these aren't the most famous actors for sure, you'll remember them after watching this. The story unfolds slowly and organically. Though it's a relatively long film, there are no wasted scenes. This is what fine traditional filmmaking looks and feels like.

Great filming that makes you think about the important things in life. It's a heartwarming story with excellent music selections and beautiful shots of Eastern shore Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.

The film shows the struggles of running a small farm and how large companies can quickly change a way of life. The films contrasts the lives of small-town America with the life of someone who left the small town and moved to the big city (DC). There are great shots of the DC area.

I would highly recommend! The movie was enjoyable and a hidden gem. Although relatively unknown, the actors did a great job and the story is classic.

Another mediocre movie made almost unbearable to watch because of the fake vocal fry voice of Alisa Allapach.

Why oh why do these B and C list actresses insist on faking that silly juvenile voice?

The story wasn't up to much, pretty predictable from 20 mins in as to the way it would go. Nothing new here. Extremely annoying though to listen to that fake voice which in the end I muted whilst she was speaking. A real turn off for me.

This is set in Kent County Maryland but i doubt any of the writers / filmmakers actually know or have talked to (seen??) people from there. It seems like somebody's (with money) romantic, idyllic view of what the country is like and what it would be like to be a farmer. Like somebody from the western shore of Maryland, who has vacationed on the eastern shore or driven through Galena, thought the sleepy towns and farms were pretty, and made up a story about them. The eastern shore has a pretty distinctive accent too and i would have liked to have seen that represented. A nice try, with good music and nice shots of Kent County but not even close. Still i am glad this film exists.

So glad I had the opportunity to experience this lovely film. The story unfolded in a way that really brought me along a journey and the actors, although unfamiliar to me prior, were compelling. Cudos for casting Jay O Sanders and Jill Hennessy as Cole's parents. The approach they took to anchor Cole's backstory really works. In fact, one of the more powerful elements for me was the relationship between Cole and his parents. In particular, I won't forget Jay's powerful performance anytime soon.

In addition to top notch acting, the cinematography is very impressive. The wonderful expansive scenery of rural farmland surrounding a small close knit town contrasted well with dramatic scenes of Washington DC. I found the interplay between locations helped create an ideal context for the story.

Have recommended it to friends and family and suggest readers of this do the same !