Redwood Highway

While I wouldn't necessarily say you should rush out to see it, I did enjoy seeing Redwood Highway and think it's worth your time. It's just come out on DVD and I got my copy through Netflix. It's not the sort of film that has huge box office appeal, but it is very enjoyable and reminds me of one of my favorite Best Picture nominees last year, Nebraska.

Shirley Knight is not a household name, but Miss Knight is a very familiar face. Additionally, she's been nominated for a lot of awards-- including twice for the Oscar. Here, she plays Marie Vaughn--an elderly woman who is incredibly hard-headed and who is refusing to retire gracefully. She also is a pain for her family, as her independence and strong opinions make her very difficult to say the least.

When the film begins, Marie is living (quite against her will) in a retirement home when she receives a visit from her son. He invites her to her granddaughter's wedding and pig-headed Marie refuses to come-- mostly just to be ornery. She says that 22 is just too young to marry and she doesn't approve. However, after the granddaughter calls Marie and leaves her a very angry message, Marie has a change of heart. Well, it's not a complete change of heart--she will go to the wedding but on her terms. As for her terms, the nutty lady decides, without telling anyone, that she'll walk to the wedding and take a side trip to the sea shore! It's many miles and Marie isn't exactly a young girl--and the trip just seems ill-advised to say the least.

What follows is a low-key but interesting adventure--much like The Straight Story or Nebraska. Nothing exactly earth-shattering occurs but Marie meets up with a variety of mostly nice people who help her on her trek. Mind you--Marie WON'T let anyone drive her to the wedding--this must be on her terms! Will she make it and what could possibly go wrong?

I liked this film though I will quickly admit that it's not exactly the sort of film the average movie-goer would watch. There are no explosions, no insane plot twists nor any love interest. It's just a nice slice of life sort of a film where you meet a lot of interesting characters. I love this sort of 'little movie'--the type that just doesn't seem to care if it's a blockbuster or not--it just wants to entertain. And, entertaining this film certainly is.

I wanted to enjoy this film because the idea of walking to the ocean was enticing and I'm an old lady. Unfortunately, other the unlikeable principle characters, the issues which continuity were driving me crazy. Obviously no one on the production staff has ever used a backpack, hiked or camped. I was actually relieved when someone gave her bear spray. I would lay odds that there was no bear proof can far from the campsite. The pack was poorly fit and there was no way, among other things, that big cooking pot would fit. Unfortunately once I started seeing all the mistakes I stopped caring about the characters and the story.

Redwood Highway is a gem amongst the crass and loud movies of the multiplex.

Filled with "real" people, and real emotions, this film takes you on a simple but profound journey that everyone who has a family can relate to.

Shirley Knight is perfect in this role, playing her character's mix of stubbornness and drive in a way that ultimately makes you understand her on multiple levels. None of us are simple creatures, and the writers of this film did an excellent job of portraying the many facets we all have.

It was great to see Tom Skerrit in a significant role- he has always been a favorite of mine.

I would like to add that the film is beautifully shot as well. I have never been to Oregon, but the film makes it look simply breathtaking. I also found the dream/flashback sequences to be exceptionally well done; adding to the emotional weight of the story, without every distracting from it.

Overall, if you enjoy a rich and rewarding story, filled with people you can relate to and care for, I can't recommend this movie enough. Enjoy!

Shirley Knight was a fine actress and she inhabits the role comfortably here, portraying a range of emotions and characteristics smoothly. The rest of the actors are well cast and are very believable. The story's simple but makes a lot of sense in a world where older folks often feel marginalized and struggle to believe they're maintaining lives of meaning. Here's my one, huge complaint. You don't have to be a genius to not walk in the direction of the traffic on rural roads. Vehicles are approaching from behind - in other words, you can't see what's coming - at high rates of speed. You can be killed in an instant by someone who's texting, otherwise distracted or impaired. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website states, "If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible." How many people were involved in the production of this film which promotes a highly stupid and dangerous practice?

There are a lot of worthwhile elements in this story and it is reasonably well portrayed. The actors do a good job. However, why is it that no one anywhere near the production of this film knew that it is not only completely, hugely stupid to walk with traffic on a road, it is also illegal in many states. Why on Earth would you want to have your back to traffic that is barreling towards you at 50 plus miles per hour, as you walk in the same direction and therefore cannot see what is coming? Why on Earth would you not want to face the traffic, walking against the traffic, so that you can see what is coming and get the hell out of the way if necessary? Astoundingly bad. Hopefully no kids saw this insanity.