The Odd Way Home

This is a very moving, and lovely film. The writing was unique, clever, and sharp. The acting seemed effortless, and was extremely spot-on. Maya was a very sharp, natural, and empathetic character played by Rumer Willis. Her voice/music was also very nice (might I add). Chris Marquette just could not have done better with his very intricate/lovable character. One of my favorite performances was portrayed by Veronica Cartwright towards the very end of the film. Just truly great all around. I would highly suggest this film. All the performances were at the level they should have been. No one over did it or under-did it. If that works as a sentence. And that is my review of this film.

At first I thought I was going to hate this movie based on the opening sequence. But once the opening music began as she started her journey I was intrigued.

You'll obviously see lots of other stories from previous films in this one, but it was still done very well.

Rumer Willis does a great job as Maya. A young woman lost on her path to find herself. And along the way she meets Duncan (Chris Marquette) who's rain man like qualities make the story all the more interesting.

I'm not trying to give spoilers, but I really liked the film more than I thought I would. A nice road trip film with lots of heart.

The Odd Way Home shows us the journey of Maya, a damaged young singer and Duncan, a sheltered young man, from hostile strangers to family. In one of the best scenes in the film, the two talk about how the desert was once the sea floor as they drive through the night. As if they are traveling through an alternate universe, what looks like snow shimmers past the windows. The audience shares the sense of awe with Duncan and Maya. It's moments like these that set The Odd Way Home apart. There is not a single clichéd moment in this film.

Rumer Willis is vulnerable as Maya and Chris Marquette is amazing at Duncan. It will make you cry. The supporting cast is strong, especially Veronica Cartwright, who will blow you away. Also what a wonderful surprise to discover that Rumer is a kick ass singer!

This movie is so well written. It reminded me of a series of vignettes, after the mid point I thought that every scene was going to be the last one and was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't. There are a lot of emotions packed into the movie as a whole.

There were points when I was shocked, some when I laughed out loud, and some when I shed a tear. I haven't seen many films that can pull that breadth of responses from me.

I was really taken by Willis' performance. She had never been a serious consideration to me, but now I am looking forward to watching her future work.

I just saw ODD WAY HOME at the Albuquerque Film Festival, where it deservedly won the Audience Choice for Best Picture. Knowing it's content and that it was a low-budget labor of love, I had very modest expectations. Well, fact is I was stunned. There are two stellar performances from Chris Marquette and Rumer Willis that carry the film.

She is a screwed up singer headed to LA and he an autistic soul, who come together in an odd way (no spoilers) and grow individually and jointly. These are performances you could only get from great talents early in their careers. They are so alive and vulnerable my wife and I literally forgot we were watching a movie. You cry, hurt and laugh with them in ways you just never will with a "star" driven and laden movie.

We all seek intimacy, profound intimacy. It's here in all it's tenderness, bitterness and brutality; yet it resonates. All I can say is see it. You will be changed, for afterward you will not see people the same way. It makes you compassionate.

As to the "artie bucco" review of ODD WAY HOME that also appears on IMDb, I can only assume it's someone with major issues. His negative comments just don't make sense. (NOTE: "artie bucco" was the owner of the SOPRANOS restaurant of choice. Really surprised that IMDb would let this fake critic have any space for spewing hatred)

This is really the kind of film aimed at the heart, not at the box-office or cash box. While it's not perfect it is pure INDY expression at it's near best.