Around The Bend Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
The skeletons in the family closet just came out to play
Four generations of men who haven't seen each other in years are suddenly brought together by the chance to uncover the truth about their family's past. It's a journey that takes them out on the road to a world full of surprises - some comic, some dramatic, and all of them personal.
| Michael Caine | Henry Lair |
| Jonah Bobo | Zach Lair |
| Josh Lucas | Jason Lair |
| Glenne Headly | Katrina |
| Christopher Walken | Turner Lair |
| David Eigenberg | John |
| Robert Douglas | College Student |
| Carlos A. Cabarcas | KFC Counterman |
| Gerry Bamman | Albert |
| Jean Effron | Albert's Mother |
| Lily Knight | Tiffany's Saleswoman |
| Rick Negron | KFC Manager |
| David Marciano | Detective |
| Norbert Weisser | Walter |
| Laurie O'Brien | Ruth |
| Jordan Roberts |
6.30 out of 10 (1554 votes)
Visitor Reviews
nice little film
posted on 06 Jan 2009Why can't Christopher Walken play "normal" roles like this more often. You really forget what a great actor hr is until he gets a role like this. He plays a man who came back to see his father, son and grandson after leaving 30 years before. After his father, played wonderfully by Micheal Caine, dies and leaves a letter that they must scatter his and his dog Spike's, who died the next day, ashes around the country while eating at KFC restaurants. The father and son learn slot about each other during this trip. It turns out that Walken's character is also dying which leads to a touching scene of the son and grandson dancing in their memory. If you watch the film you will find out this significance. This is not a great film but I recommend it as a nice way to spend an hour an a half and feel good afterward
Christopher Walken at his best
posted on 06 Jan 2009Two legendary actors and two young talents represent four generations in a quirky story worthy of their performances. This movie must have been misplaced or mispromoted, because it seems to have come out of nowhere. It has humor, grace and heart, with smart dialog and extraordinary acting, particularly by Christopher Walken and (of course) Michael Caine. And it's got some great laughs, especially when Glenne Headly's around. Probably the only thing wrong with this movie is its highly forgettable name. It deserves something more compelling to sum up its story.If you like this, see "Last Orders," also with Michael Caine, which has a related premise.
One of the best movies ever
posted on 23 Dec 2008This is a wonderful movie, beautifully acted by Christopher Walken, Michael Caine and Josh Lucas...it's funny, droll, touching....a great character study. I don't know why it didn't get more notice. I've always thought Christopher Walken was a fine actor...this movie made me see him as brilliant. I truly loved it. The story is based on the relationships of 4 generations of men in one family; from the grandfather - Michael Caine - to the six-year-old son of Josh Lucas.This is the story of so many families and my favorite line is Michael Caine's to his grandson, Josh Lucas, about Josh's 'broken' father, Christopher Walken: "I carried you, you carried me, we need to carry him." It's what families do. I loved that.
Perfect gem of a film...
posted on 15 Aug 2008I absolutely loved this film, it is everything that a film can be. the only minor flaw, which was un-noticeable to the friend that i saw it with, was Michael Caine's accent drifting across the Atlantic. But you didn't really care. It is perfectly cast, brilliantly acted, and you believed in and cared for the characters, they are so human with their natural flaws, you are rooting for them all. The story is fascinating, and it will strike a chord with anyone with a father, particularly anyone estranged from their father. It is funny, witty, charming, touching and delightful. See it with a loved one...you shouldn't regret it.
Possibly prejudiced, but passionately pro
posted on 28 Jun 2008I was the composer on this film, and while I recognise that that fact may taint me as blindly partisan on its behalf, I still have to say that A) I have never seen audiences respond with such obvious affection and warmth towards anything that I've ever worked on, (even including my terminally unemotional engineer, who actually cried, something I never expected in a million years that I would ever see, and doubt that I will again. ) and B)... Just give it a chance. If you hate it, so you blew 20 bucks and a couple hours. feel free to send me a nasty email, and if you make a convincing enough case, maybe i'll personally refund your 20. I doubt I'll have to. This is a wonderful film, made by the kind of person and for the kinds of reasons that we all need to support, if we care at all about what we do, and how it affects people. And I mean people, not industry professionals. See it with a civilian audience, as a human being, and you will be rewarded. This is a splendid movie, and Walken is stunning, and this is one where you just have to take the big city critics with a grain of salt. This movie was not made for them. It wasn't made for professional opinion makers. It was made for you. And yes, I may be prejudiced, but I don't think so. David Baerwald
Funny, touching, great acting and directing
posted on 12 Jun 2008Around the Bend takes you on a journey to the southwest filling the big screen with gorgeous sunsets, living desert scenery, and ancient ruins of the settlers who lived here hundreds of years ago. I live in Albuquerque, and I am proud to see this movie filmed in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. The plot is centered around carrying out Henry's wishes in his will and the emotions that play out with the closest family members, Turner, Jason, and Zack. The cast of male actors are Christopher Walken, Josh Lucas, Jonah Bobo, and Michael Caine who are the Lair Family. A good family movie with some language. This movie is playing in selected theaters around the United States. Check your local movie guides for locations. Floree Nowlin
Caine and Walken Are Reason Enough
posted on 19 May 2008To see this movie! Humor, pathos, sufficient acting, sensitive and thoughtful subject matter (without getting sappy), well-chosen locations, and a compact story help as well.I hear the DVD has many missing scenes that are good as well, but I've always caught this one on the television.Caine is funny and of course eminently watchable in just about anything he is in (Sleuth comes to mind!). Walken handles his role with understated aplomb. You find him slightly distasteful, but quite a scene stealer anyway, and quite likable. The younger family members are cast well.A believable film.
Likable piece of whimsy.....
posted on 05 Feb 2008Though the schmaltz gets piled on like only Hollywood can *SIGH* I've never actually heard of this film before, having now looked at IMDb I now realize it was only given a very limited release by Warner's now defunct Independent arm and wasn't successful in that.It's not bad...but without Caine's & Walken's inclusion this would have been a TV Movie. Michael Caine (Sporting an odd accent has been made up to be an elderly man as he plays Christopher Walken's Father despite in real life only being 10 years his senior) plays Henry Lair, Walken plays his son Turner, Josh Lucas plays Turner's son Jason & Jonah Bobo plays Jason's son Zack....OK GOT THAT? GOOD.Turner (Walken) walked out on his family 30 years ago, and returns because his Father Henry (Caine) is gravely Ill....and dies in a KFC Restaurant (KFC must have paid a few bob to have such a huge advert) but not before leaving various notes to his Son,Grandson, & Great-grandson on what he wants doing with his ashes, so they embark on a road trip while at first failing to get along, end up of course making up and becoming a happy family in the process....But Turner hides a secretYes, at times this is rather too sickly & Schmaltzy but First time writer/Director does a good job with a surprisingly good script..but really this is just a superior Lifetime or Hallmark TV Movie with proper actors, and didn't stand a chance at the BOX-Office,Do I recommend it...Well yes I do, if only for the performances and pretty locations***1/2 out of *****
Beautifully told story
posted on 26 Sep 2007Extremely touching road movie around four generations of males whose relationships have become fractured in the past.It's not made completely clear at the start, but Michael Caine is the great grandfather, Christopher Walken is the grandfather, Josh Lucas the father and the charming Jonah Bobo as the grandson. The family are reunited and Caine's character tasks them with a request in his will that his ashes be scattered near his favourite fast food restaurants throughout picturesque New Mexico (bizarre product placement).Walken had disappeared from the family unit, with some resentment from all, and returns to the family and finds himself agreeing to fulfil his father's wishes. Throughout the journey, the family bonds are re-established and a gradual understanding of the characters grows and their past revealed.This is a beautiful story, told at a gentle but entrancing pace, is truly moving and I recommend it highly. It's not very long, but within Walken is given great time and space to truly demonstrate his talents.
Learn about 4 generations of the Lair men
posted on 25 Aug 2007I received a call from my daughter saying this was a film I HAD to see. I couldn't agree with her more. I'll be adding this one to my collection of DVDs. Anyone who enjoys films with realistic characters will laugh and cry as they learn about the men of the Lair family. Michael Caine's character orchestrates a mysterious journey that helps all of them learn about what it means to be family. "Some are more broke than others" as Michael Caine's character states. Just as his character as an archaeologist unearths artifacts, we discover bits and pieces about these men. Cinematography is excellent. The musical supports the plot, as well as striking a chord inside the viewer. Well worth your time.
Mindblowing surprise
posted on 06 Jul 2007I can't give this movie a perfect score, which I reserve for classic, Earth-shattering movies that may truly change one's ways of watching movies. But I give this a high nine, and as it stands, this is one of the very, very few movies that I could watch dozens of times more without ever feeling tired, and wanting more. This is a gripping, fearless movie that instead of drenching itself with tears and syrup, it grips you and plays with your feelings as if it owned you. You'll have to be willing to be taken over, of course, but once you do, you're in for a ride.Honestly, I find it a bit banal to label this as a "road movie". To me, it's a genuinely comical family drama. I had great laughs with this movie, the way it was written and directed, and with the actors' performances, but especially because it wasn't aching to be a comedy. Nothing here looked contrived and forced, and none of the events, no matter how unexpected, felt like it didn't belong there. And we're talking about one interesting plot here. I suppose you can find a good synopsis of the movie elsewhere, so I'd rather settle on the review proper here, instead of giving details of how the movie goes. Suffice to say, it's a powerful story, intelligently written, cleverly paced, directed and acted with talent and care. You see, most times I demand a film to have content, something interesting to say, which this movie certainly has. But I was also delighted and entertaining by the way the movie was told. Being this Jordan Roberts's first effort, I think it's a particularly impressive one.As for the actors, you must know them by heart, and if you're a fan of any of them, you won't be disappointed. Yes, Caine's present in only a fifth of the movie's length, but it's a memorable performance alright. Christopher Walken is the main force in the movie, and I really enjoyed his performance and his character, Turner. Lots of fun. Josh Lucas's character, Jason, isn't as immediately striking, but he's quite intricate, and the performance here is just spot on. And of course, the big focus isn't on either of them exclusively, but on their relationship. I just wasn't expecting to be so utterly amazed by Jonah Bobo, though! I was already familiar with his work on the children's cartoon The Backyardigans, doing the voice of my favourite character, no less. But to me, at least, he stole the scene almost every time; even when he didn't say a thing, for he could show only with his facial expressions, his movements and everything else, his character and what he was going through, in particular how curious he was about Turner and how attuned he was getting to him, and vice versa. It's worthy to mention how, in the "making of" documentary, we see he's a playful, intelligent and happy kid, and that he can switch into another kid entirely, wholly absorbed by the movie, with so much ease. I can't say the movie couldn't possibly be anywhere below "okay" with Jonah in it, and yes, I'm aware Caine and Walken are in it too. But the movie isn't just about that. It's much more. And if people can give up their resistance and make themselves ready for a thrilling, shameless emotional ride, this is a movie I can recommend. It's short, yes, but if you feel it's too short, just watch it again.
A big hit at the Black Bear Film Festival 2004
posted on 04 Jul 2007A touching story, with excellent performances from the leads (though Michael Caine's American accent was a little wobbly) and beautifully filmed with some endearingly eccentric touches.Reminiscent of the excellent Last Orders (oddly enough, also with Michael Caine), another ashes-on-the-road movie, but Around the Bend has a darker understory.This was one of the most popular fims at the 2004 Black Bear Film Festival at Milford PA and the first-time director, in his fascinating and frank Q&A after the film, proved to be most engaging, enlightening and straightforward.
Intimate
posted on 31 May 2007This is what is known as a "mid-sized movie", full of recognizable, but good, character actors, engaging dialog, strong intimacy, and no need to dazzle and impact a viewpoint of the audience. As that, it is perfect.The plot involves four generations of the Lair family, a kooky great-grandfather who deals with his impending death by thinking up alternative funerals, a grandfather who has been missing for decades due to a history of alcoholism and thievery, a son who "just wants to be normal" (we always know how well that works in family-driven films...), and a grandson who wants to go along for the ride because it will be fun. Once the grandfather (Walken) comes home, the great-grandfather makes some plans... only he has to die to make sure his progenitors will carry it through. Enter a road-trip, some spice-of-life, and a generous heaping of self-discovery, and voila, you get the prototype for this film.I think what's interesting about this movie is that it's full of dazzling panoramic long-shots of New Mexican sunsets, and yet in those shots maintains a close intimacy with the characters. Intimacy is the defining word in every case for this movie, as even when the characters are trying their darnedness to reject their family, their words bleed a need to be together. And they all know it.This movie isn't the type to last on the conscious of many viewers because it's so quiet and devoted, but it has strong sticking power to those few who really enjoy its color and colorful characters.--PolarisDiB
Fantastic Film
posted on 17 May 2007This film, has that feel good ending. The type of film that makes you sit back and wonder about your own life.The Klennix moments were backed up with sparks of love and joy.If you like "Life is a House" then you will love this. A must to watch.Christopher Walken never fails to let you down, with brilliant acting that seemed so real.This is a must have in the movie collection and will be one for the girls night in.Definitely a fantastic drama. That has all the makings for a long lasting film.
Engaging, with a winning Christopher Walken performance.
posted on 19 Apr 2007This simple movie focuses on the 4 generations of the men in the Lair family. It opens with 3 of them -- great grandfather Henry (Michael Caine), father Jason (Josh Lucas), and son Zach (cute little Jonah Bobo). Only the grandfather, Turner (Christopher Walken) is missing. We realize this when he shows up, the first time he has been seen in 30 years. While Jason wants some answers, Turner just refers to that as ancient history and wants to talk about today. I have never been disappointed in a role of Christopher Walken's, and this one is not exception. While all the actors are adequate, Walken is the one who makes the movie interesting, these 4 generations of Lair man trying to be a family again. Glenne Hedley has a whimsical role as a Danish nanny caring for Henry. Worth a watch.SPOILERS. Turner had been in prison for theft and when he shows up everyone assumes he has been released. But he was in a hospital for dialysis from kidney failure and he just walked out, and planned to stop and see his family on the way to a spot near the Mexico border. But his travel was delayed when old Henry dies suddenly, leaves a handwritten will, and instructions for the other 3 to take his ashes (along with the dog's) on a road trip to scatter at various places, as a requirement for his will to be valid. This reunites father and son and, Jason's limp wasn't really from an auto accident when he was young, instead his dad, Turner, a former drunk, had thrown him from some stairs. Turner wanted to get back to a particular cliff near Mexico where his son had been conceived, and died in the car right after his son drove him there.
Loved it
posted on 11 Apr 2007I found this in a video store and with the great cast (not always a good indicator!) and the list of awards won I took a chance on it being good. As is often the case when you have little expectation you are most pleasantly surprised. I thought the characters were wonderful the setting and photography beautiful and the soundtrack really made it. There are also nice little touches where an item seen in a passing shot has a connection to something later in the film.The only weakness I felt was Josh Lucas in the role of the child's father. It was hard to make any genetic connection with the characters played by Michael Caine or Christopher Walken. It's not that his acting was poor he just didn't seem to fit in. Please try and see the movie - I doubt that you'll be disappointed.
A Great Movie to have in your Home Library
posted on 08 Feb 2007What a wonderful and thoughtful movie! I initially rented it solely on the strength of the cast. Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, what more could you ask for? As it turns out, one of my favorite characters turned out to be "Zach", the youngest son. This young actor is absolutely edible in this role. He has a charming quirkiness and is sooooo endearing.Walken, playing the tormented soul who left his son when his son was but a child, is actually a sympathetic character. Michael Caine was compelling as a father who wants more than anything to bring his family back together. In an age of "chick flicks", it is so refreshing to see a "man movie" that sensitively deals with father-son relationships. Though it is rated R, it barely warrants that rating. I would have no problem allowing my 14 year old sons to watch it and possibly even my 12 year old daughter. Actually, the brief horror movie scene is the worst part!
From 'Father & Son' to mutual understanding
posted on 28 Dec 2006*SPOILERS around here* Jason Lair (Josh Lucas, 'Poseidon'), who works in a bank, lives with his ailing grandfather Henry (Michael Caine, 'Beyond The Poseidon Adventure', 'Alfie'), Henry's nurse Katrina (Glenne Headly, 'ER') and his own son, Zachary (Jonah Bobo, 'Zathura').One day, Jason's father Turner (Christopher Walken, 'The Deer Hunter', 'The Dead Zone') darkens his doorstep after having abandoned him when he was 2 years old and his mother had died in a car accident with him in the car (or was he?), leaving him with a bum leg.Jason is obviously none too pleased, but Henry is; Turner is his son, after all.Sadly, though, Henry dies that very night, but not before having left very precise instructions on where to disperse his (and his beloved dog's) ashes.So, Turner, Zachary, and a very reluctant Jason are on their way to a very special journey, which hopefully will get Jason and Turner's father-son relationship back on track...But Turner is keeping some secrets, and they hurt...Director Jordan Roberts scores 10/10 on my ratings for this film in which everything seems appropriate, from music to scenery, the actors really shine (especially Lucas, Bobo and the endearing Headly, however small her part may be) and a story that touches a nerve with everyone who has been a son, because even if our father didn't disappear for years, we all hold some kind of resentment towards him, sometimes even for no reason at all, like the famous song 'Father & Son' clearly shows.Around The Bend is a great movie, not to miss.
Interesting but not absorbing
posted on 16 Nov 2006This film has just been released in the UK (albeit on a limited run). I, like I would assume the majority of the audience, were there to see the acting talents of Lucas, Caine and of course the ever-brilliant Walken and from that point of view, I wasn't disappointed. Walken is superb, humorous and deeply affecting in the same breath, his is the performance that carries the film. Lucas is solid and newcomer Bobo proves an adept counterpoint to the other actors. As for Caine, he is as reliable as ever, although his wandering accent has to be questioned! However, the plot itself, whilst worthy and certainly interesting never really takes off. I found it difficult to really empathise with any of the characters and when the 'big revelation' comes at the end, I felt neither shocked nor moved. Indeed, the tag line referring to skeletons coming out of the closet is rather misleading, rather more like people washing their dirty laundry in public.I also found the film's music to be rather at odds with the subject matter. Sure the film has a light-hearted approach at dealing with the family issues on show but there were times when the plot took a more serious tone and deserved music to match.So, if you are in the UK and thinking of seeing the film, do so for the performances, not for the plot, which feels rather contrived in places. Walken though is still an acting god!
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Excellent! A 10
posted on 14 May 2009I have been waiting for this film for a long time. The first time I read about it I was excited. This film is very simple, sparse, beautifully acted, and superb. Chris Walken is one of our greatest actors and I think it's high time for him to get another Oscar nod. I enjoyed it very much and it has left an impression on me. The soundtrack was absolutely perfect as well. I am purchasing both the film and the soundtrack. As it happens, my father saw this film the day before I saw it and called me the day I rented it to recommend it to me. So, in some quirky was we had a bond through this film.To the director and cast, job well done and thank you.