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Photo © Warner Independent Pictures
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Around The Bend
Comedy, Drama
1hr.25 mins.
Oct.8th, Limited
MPAA:R for language
Warner Independent Pictures
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Starring: Christopher Walken, Michael Caine, Josh Lucas
Directed By: Jordan Roberts
Produced By: Julie Kirkham, Elliott Lewitt
Screenplay By: Jordan Roberts
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Reviewed
By: Wellington Lee
Rated 2.7/5
From 2nd generation Turner's(Christopher Walken)profile, key lit shot playing the piano with adult son Jason(Josh Lucas)listening at the top of the stairs; to an available light night shot of a roadside tavern against the clear, dark New Mexico sky, the visuals carry this work through some jarring: editing and scene transitions, and disparate soundtrack.
Patriach Henry Lair(Michael Caine)is near death's door, and decides to summon his troubled and former addict son Turner(Christopher Walken). Grandson Jason and his adolescent son Zach(Jonah Bobo)are already on the scene. Jason's Mom died prematurely, and Turner is somehow responsible for his adult son's limp. Jason completed his rearing under Grandpa.
Wise but wily Grandpa(Caine),hilariously makes the pair(Jason & estranged dad Turner) go on a long distance scavenger hunt,and they have to eat every day, at his favorite "Americana" haunt: K.F.C.(Ky.Fried..).Either they all(the two men and Zach)pile into AA sober Turner's 70's VW bus and follow the will dictates, or all $225,000 goes to pee wee:fourth generation, Zach.
Walken plays typecast with his 'electric shock' hair and zombie like presence. Cast as if the part were written for him, he dominates the scenes with Lucas(as Jason).Walken is asked to do a silly scene, as his Turner breaks out into a wee hours dance to the lights of the VW.
An attempt to make Grandpa's 'C' horror movie addicted, Danish nurse(Glenne Headly)eccentric, falls flat even for the masses. 'Katrina' over acts(with poor direction) the scripts banal humor and lines, killing the potential for that character.This,after she sleeps with Dad Turner:"In Denmark, people's fathers' can be boyfriends." Inexperienced writer/director Roberts tries too hard to give us everything. Longer takes(editing) would help some of the pacing. But throwing two comedic scenes at us before we digest a poignant, brilliantly photographed moment, dilutes our connection to the characters.
Despite innovative peripatic(circling)camera work, as the three Lair men(& boy)form a circle in a scenic barn, and redeeming tracks from Leon Russell("A Song for You")and Warren Zevon, closer scrutiny of the shooting script and final editing by exec. producers, could have made the visually stunning "..Bend", a 3+ star work. |
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