Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Road (2009)



"In a moment, the world changed forever."

- The Road


Going into this film based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name, I had heard really good things about it. So, I decided to check it out.

When I first saw the trailer, it really looked more like an action type movie - it looked like another interesting survival type of film. Now that I've seen it, I would say the trailer is very well done and put together - it really captured my attention.

Though, the film itself really was more of a drama type of movie to me. It was a bit slow - it went back and forth between drama type scenes and actions scenes. Though, I would say the majority of the film was in the drama category.

From the trailer, it looks like a linear type of movie - just dealing with the present. However, the film actually goes back and forth from the past to the present and vice versa. I didn't really expect this kind of format from viewing the trailer.

Regarding the action scenes, some of them were quite shocking - I definitely was not prepared for some of them. I don't want to spoil it for you but let's just say some of the scenes were inhumane in nature.

Basically, the story of the film involves the main character, "The Man" (played by Viggo Mortenson) and his son (played by Kodi-Smit McPhee) as they travel in an effort to survive.

(Note: Also, Charlize Theron plays "The Wife" - she plays more of a minor role in the film).

Along the journey, you find out more about the main characters - their past and struggles. And, you also find out how they got into this situation in the first place. Though, the "how" is not described in much detail.

I think this film has a good story - it definitely had its moments. Though, I feel it just wasn't executed well - it could have been done better.

Instead of an action type of film, it ended up being more of a drama type movie. The majority of the film was filled with drama type scenes - there were very few action scenes.

Overall, this film just didn't do it for me - it felt too slow. I think it could have been done better if there were more action type of scenes - it had a good story. Though, the fact that it dragged for me was a bit frustrating - it needed more momentum.

Personally, I can't really recommend this film - it was more frustrating to watch than enjoyable. If you've been contemplating seeing this one, I'd say its best to pass on it.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: FAIL

(Note: For all the fans of the film, these are just my thoughts - it just didn't do it for me. Though, I am interested in hearing about the book. For those who have read the book, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. Thanks for reading!)



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7 comments:

Candice Frederick said...

hmm...this movie is at home with me now from netflix. it does look slow to me too. i hope it's not too bad.

Angie said...

I was left frustrated not finding out what the cataclysmic event was that caused all of this, but it was a beautiful story about a father/son relationship. I think we've had enough "2012" crazy action apocalypse movies, and this one took a different spin on it.

Film Gurl said...

(Candice) It definitely was a slow movie from the very beginning. There were a few action scenes with shock value. But, that was about it.

(Angie) I agree - I think they left out too much info. Somehow it didn't all fit together. I think the focus on the father/son relationship really contributed to making this movie more of a drama type of film. I just felt a bit misled from watching the trailer.

Thanks for reading and for stopping by!

Reel Whore said...

It's a shame the trailer was so misleading.

I really enjoyed The Road, but a lot of people had told me beforehand to go in expecting heavy drama. It was slow, but the struggles Man & Boy had to contend with kept me engaged.

Film Gurl said...

I agree about the trailer - it was a completely different movie from what I expected.

It's interesting to hear your thoughts on it, I've heard some reviews with a similar viewpoint who enjoyed it as well.

I'm curious to see how the book compares with the film.

Thanks for sharing and for stopping by!

Reel Whore said...

I should give the book a read. Right now, the nightstand stack is a little precarious!

download films for free said...

A movie was inevitable from such a great story, especially hot off of No Country For Old Men's success. And the road (haha) to this movie's release has been long and slow.