IMDb RATING
6.3/10
2.3K
YOUR RATING
An ex punk rocker who recently became a suburban homemaker/mom befriends a recently paralyzed high-school boy in a wheelchair.An ex punk rocker who recently became a suburban homemaker/mom befriends a recently paralyzed high-school boy in a wheelchair.An ex punk rocker who recently became a suburban homemaker/mom befriends a recently paralyzed high-school boy in a wheelchair.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
Yumi Iwama
- Doctor
- (voice)
Anna Kuchma
- Girl with a Dog
- (uncredited)
Charles J. Rosa
- Art Gallery Patron
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
I liked the movie. Lewis does a fine job of bringing the post-baby struggles to life and Weston who is not actually a spinal cord injured person put in a strong performance that brought the post-injury fears and acting out to the screen. Still not sure why the movie companies don't actually hire disabled actors to play those roles but instead spend hours of training to get an able-bodied actor to fake it. There are people with disabilities who seek to act and often when they land a role there is acclaim heaped on them. There are certainly some gaps in the film but overall the girlfriend and I enjoyed it.
"Kelly and Cal" is one of those movies that starts out in an amazing way. We get to know our main character, Kelly, who is fresh from having a baby only six weeks earlier with her husband and is feeling exhausted and overworked. In comes the hilarious, handicapped teenager living next door who serves as the antidote to all her problems. They have laughs, drink beer, and start to build a relationship that is more meaningful than anything either of them have had in a long time. But though it starts off well (maybe even excellent) it soon deteriorates in a slow decline that ends when the credits roll. And the disappointment wouldn't mean much if the film hadn't given you a taste of what it could've been, but unfortunately, it does.
Some of the best scenes at the beginning include the two of them bullshitting and having a great time talking about their problems, and nothing more than that. All either of them needs is a friend or simply just someone to talk to. But the movie turns into something it shouldn't be, something that's extremely cliché and never needed to happen, a romance.
Just like so many other films, we see them start to connect and their forbidden relationship ensues. She has a husband and a baby, he's under 18, I think you can see what's coming. And frankly, it doesn't work. It tries to become emotional, possibly pulling at your heartstrings, but by the time that happens you could care less. There's so many moments when I was cursing under my breath hoping that the movie wouldn't go down the road it does.
And what's even worse, the two leads are great together. Juliette Lewis (Kelly) and Jonny Weston (Cal) have so much potential that is wasted, and try their hardest to work with the been-there- done-that material, but even they can't save the film. It's a huge letdown, and one that stung.
Some of the best scenes at the beginning include the two of them bullshitting and having a great time talking about their problems, and nothing more than that. All either of them needs is a friend or simply just someone to talk to. But the movie turns into something it shouldn't be, something that's extremely cliché and never needed to happen, a romance.
Just like so many other films, we see them start to connect and their forbidden relationship ensues. She has a husband and a baby, he's under 18, I think you can see what's coming. And frankly, it doesn't work. It tries to become emotional, possibly pulling at your heartstrings, but by the time that happens you could care less. There's so many moments when I was cursing under my breath hoping that the movie wouldn't go down the road it does.
And what's even worse, the two leads are great together. Juliette Lewis (Kelly) and Jonny Weston (Cal) have so much potential that is wasted, and try their hardest to work with the been-there- done-that material, but even they can't save the film. It's a huge letdown, and one that stung.
Ugh.... so tired from this "SOHO STYLE DRAMA", where all conception, ideas and actions around music (which is mostly rock, punk rock,etc.), somebody who is different from whole of the world (loser, disabled person, unlucky or simpler lost person) and for sure with deep thoughts, and meaning.
In my opinion, since we (as a human being) have movie "Once" (2006) which is sort of origin of this kind of movies and "Begin Again" (2013) which is good movie that kind of intervene a new style of music, clothing and way of living is enough. I understand that people who like "Song One" (2014), "Lords of Dogtown" (2005), "School of Rock" (2003) and "Trainspotting" (1996) will or would consider me as snobbish movie buff, but honestly, don't you think that it's time to create a good movie. That based on something, has some meaning and will be useful for our future generation and can be a heritage for them!?!
In my opinion, since we (as a human being) have movie "Once" (2006) which is sort of origin of this kind of movies and "Begin Again" (2013) which is good movie that kind of intervene a new style of music, clothing and way of living is enough. I understand that people who like "Song One" (2014), "Lords of Dogtown" (2005), "School of Rock" (2003) and "Trainspotting" (1996) will or would consider me as snobbish movie buff, but honestly, don't you think that it's time to create a good movie. That based on something, has some meaning and will be useful for our future generation and can be a heritage for them!?!
I loved this film!! It's poignant, raw, and so engaging. Performances across the board completely believable, truthful & deep. I didn't want it to end. Juliette Lewis is always interesting and here she is phenomenal, with every moment full and electric. The rest of the cast is also great. Jonny Weston, Josh Hopkins and Cybill Shepherd. So much fun to watch their shades of gray. And beautifully shot to make us feel like we're inhabiting this world. Masterfully directed by Jen McGowan. A must see!
An excellent "little" movie.
The story of a friendship between a new mother and a young neighbor in a wheelchair.
The trailer gives a much brighter image than it actually is. And it's better than the trailer. It gives a bittersweet atmosphere all along that takes guts. A film that speaks to young parents, first love, the passing of time, the mourning to do.
Simple and touching.
Did you know
- TriviaJonny Weston, who played the 17-year-old Cal, was approximately 25 years old at the time of filming. Whereas Juliette Lewis, who played the suburban housewife Kelly, was about 40 years old.
- GoofsKelly pronounces the band name Sleater-Kinney as "SLEEter-Kinney" when it should be pronounced "SLAYter-Kinney".
- ConnectionsFeatures Bryan Adams: (Everything I Do) I Do It for You (1991)
- How long is Kelly & Cal?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $17,702
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $5,387
- Sep 7, 2014
- Gross worldwide
- $17,702
- Runtime
- 1h 51m(111 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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