The Odd Way Home

I just saw ODD WAY HOME at the Albuquerque Film Festival, where it deservedly won the Audience Choice for Best Picture. Knowing it's content and that it was a low-budget labor of love, I had very modest expectations. Well, fact is I was stunned. There are two stellar performances from Chris Marquette and Rumer Willis that carry the film.

She is a screwed up singer headed to LA and he an autistic soul, who come together in an odd way (no spoilers) and grow individually and jointly. These are performances you could only get from great talents early in their careers. They are so alive and vulnerable my wife and I literally forgot we were watching a movie. You cry, hurt and laugh with them in ways you just never will with a "star" driven and laden movie.

We all seek intimacy, profound intimacy. It's here in all it's tenderness, bitterness and brutality; yet it resonates. All I can say is see it. You will be changed, for afterward you will not see people the same way. It makes you compassionate.

As to the "artie bucco" review of ODD WAY HOME that also appears on IMDb, I can only assume it's someone with major issues. His negative comments just don't make sense. (NOTE: "artie bucco" was the owner of the SOPRANOS restaurant of choice. Really surprised that IMDb would let this fake critic have any space for spewing hatred)

This is really the kind of film aimed at the heart, not at the box-office or cash box. While it's not perfect it is pure INDY expression at it's near best.

I really enjoyed this film.

First, I was totally impressed with Rumor Willis's acting chops. She was really strong, as was the actor playing the lead male role, Duncan.

The film was interesting from the very beginning. I had no idea what was going to happen, and I was curious/engaged the whole time. I prefer films that feature characters that are complicated in some way, as I think people in general are more interesting when they are complex. And not the sort of shallow complexity that you find in many films these days, but true life experience driven complexity. The characters in this film had so much richness and depth and I related to them in different ways. I found myself very involved in their story.

I thought it was really good. I highly recommend.

The Odd Way Home shows us the journey of Maya, a damaged young singer and Duncan, a sheltered young man, from hostile strangers to family. In one of the best scenes in the film, the two talk about how the desert was once the sea floor as they drive through the night. As if they are traveling through an alternate universe, what looks like snow shimmers past the windows. The audience shares the sense of awe with Duncan and Maya. It's moments like these that set The Odd Way Home apart. There is not a single clichéd moment in this film.

Rumer Willis is vulnerable as Maya and Chris Marquette is amazing at Duncan. It will make you cry. The supporting cast is strong, especially Veronica Cartwright, who will blow you away. Also what a wonderful surprise to discover that Rumer is a kick ass singer!

This movie is so well written. It reminded me of a series of vignettes, after the mid point I thought that every scene was going to be the last one and was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. There are a lot of emotions packed into the movie as a whole.

There were points when I was shocked, some when I laughed out loud, and some when I shed a tear. I haven't seen many films that can pull that breadth of responses from me.

I was really taken by Willis' performance. She had never been a serious consideration to me, but now I am looking forward to watching her future work.

The Odd Way Home is a movie that will stay with you for days. You laugh, you cry but most importantly you reflect.

Rumer's performance was so honest. A young women who has been dealt a bad hand. Her performance particular the detox scene really makes you think how far just a little bit of kindness can go and how everyone needs someone to stand up for them. One of the best scenes that I have ever seen in any movie is the one that takes place between Rumer and Veronica Cartright. Knee buckling. I can't wait to see this movie again and again.

Another note...the music combined with the cinematography is a real piece of art. I can't wait to buy the soundtrack (please include Rumer's song if you can) and I can't wait to go on my next road trip. Thank you!