The Last Place on Earth

I passed on watching this movie several times because I thought it might be depressing. When I did finally watch, I was pleasantly surprised. Although there are some sad moments, it is an uplifting film.

Rob Baskin is a man with lots of potential, but is a workaholic, conservative banker going through the motions of life. Ann is a free-spirited liberal caterer that brings out the best in Rob. Rob meets Ann while on a trip to scatter his mother's ashes and there is friction from the first meeting at a taco stand. When she has car trouble and he sees her on the side of the highway, he stops, not realizing it's that same person from the taco stand. Ann persuades Rob into giving her a ride and that's where the fun starts.

The characters are likable and the scenery is spectacular. You can't help but like these people and cheer for them.

My goodness " a crime against God, Man, and Nature" is a bit somewhat melodramatic. I just finished watching this movie and agree it was not Oscar caliber. I almost did not watch it due to not recognizing any of the names on the digital TV Guide, but I liked the description and was surprised when I saw Tisha Campbell who I have always liked. I wonder why she was not included in the TV Guide billing, oh well unimportant. I can see where this movie might resonate with some people, like me, who miss a good story telling in movies. I was pleased that this movie departed from the norm and did not try and make us all weepy about her illness. Instead it focused on the characters and their lives and how precious life is. Also, I felt the movie kind of reinforced the old adage "to thine own self be true." I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good little movie to watch instead of the blockbuster repeats that dominate most cable channels. If you keep on open mind and remember that this was an Independent Film you will enjoy it.

"The Last Place on Earth" came as a total surprise. We took a chance with this indie film brilliantly directed by James Slocum who also wrote the screen play. Mr. Slocum achieves a small film that is a feast for the eyes as well as a story that we know can happen. The music score is by Eric Swanson. The thing that knocks the viewer out is the perfectly beautiful cinematography created by David Dechant; without a doubt, this film is gorgeous to watch because of all the natural settings that serve as background to the story. Also, the movie is greatly helped by the amazing editing of Frederich Wardell.

Mr. Slocum ought to be congratulated for not turning this film into a weep fest. Rob Baskin, the young man at the center of the story suffers a great loss when his mother dies. Her dying words seem prophetic for what Rob would experience after this tragedy. Taking some time off he runs into a young woman who is not afraid to give him a piece of her mind. Rob is taking time off from his boring bank job. Later, on the road, he meets Ann, the outspoken girl, and it turns out to be a match that will serve to liberate him from what he is doing in life in order to pursue his true call: music.

The film has such a sharp look, greatly helped by the vistas of the west one is taken to by Mr. Slocum in this voyage of discovery. Dana Ashbrook and Tisha Campbell play Rob and Ann two young Californians that fall in love. Phyllis Diller is seen briefly as the dying mother too sick, we know she will not survive. Also Billy Dee Williams has a small part as Ann's doctor. Brook Peters, another distinguished actor, plays Ann's father.

We shall be looking forward to other films by Mr. Slocum and wish him well in his future work.

I just happened across this movie as it was beginning on one of the premium movie channels. I found the love story to be very good. It is one of those "surprise" stories in which seemingly incongruous strangers end up being lovers for life. There is tragedy in their lives, and it tests the depth of their love. While there is not gratuitous sexual content or nudity, it is certainly not prudish. It is worth seeing for the story, for the values it espouses, and for the fine acting of the two leads. It is distractingly filmed, however, with many double-exposures, which tend to seem "cute" or "contrived" and certainly are not in keeping with the movie's tone. I guess this is evidence that in many cases - if not most - the writer should probably not also be the producer, and definitely should not also be the director, as is the case here. I recommend this movie for anyone who likes a really good love story.

The movie had places that I have been, and was there with a woman friend.

The fact that the female star of this movie is NOT Vanessa Williams, and is rather commonplace registered with me. You see, I am at that age when you appreciate the mental attributes of a woman, as opposed to when you are young and think that an attractive woman has to look like Dolly Parton or Agelina Jolie.

My woman friend at first look was not physically attractive.

However, we would go on 10 to 20 mile per day hikes. She very seldom complained.

The movie was endearing as it depicted some of the more difficult moments of marriage as they are.

This is a movie that I would buy the CD copy, and lay it several times over the next few years.