Mediocre but satisfying road-trip comedy
Brendan M. Howard | Kansas, USA | 04/30/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Lea Thompson is over-the-top and fantastic in a role that finds her playing an uptight mother who is at times the underdog and other times the villain. Poor Mrs. Gainor just wants to relive a sort-of mysterious perfect vacation she had in Doheny Beach, California, during her high school years. It slowly becomes evident that nobody but her wants this out-of-the-way vacation. Everyone else would be happier settling for their perpetual crash pad: Branson, Missouri.
Everyone in this ensemble piece--including "Home Improvement" alumna Patricia Richardson as a well-meaning aunt--is adequate. The plot is relatively predictable and the gags are commonplace, but a few funny scenes and an energetic Thompson may win this one a few fans in the audiences of understanding indie film fans.
"
Comedy
S. Crosby | Weeping Water, NE United States | 02/12/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Granted, not everyone will like this movie, especially if they are looking for over-the-top comedy like that of RV. I found it very entertaining, perhaps because I live in Nebraska and have experienced these attitudes and behaviors. Yes, Foley is a bit bland and Thompson ascerbic and the inability to leave the city ridiculous, but the rest works for me. Loved the kids, the relatives and the dog. At times the movie reminded me of About Schmidt in its slice-of-life approach."