A good-hearted feel-good movie that never delves into cheap or forced sentimentality.
This movie offers exactly what one should want out of this type of movie. A story about three misfits on the road and finding a family in one another may sound cliché, but many similar movies just simply are not told anywhere near as well as this movie is. Each of our three main characters felt completely real to me. I felt I knew them. Not only that but I felt glad I knew them. The characters are extremely likable and just a joy to spend time with. It doesn't hurt that the three actors (Shia LeBeouf, Dakota Johnson and Zack Gottsagen) cast in the roles play their parts to perfection. Even with how great the other two are, Zack Gottsagen (in his first feature film role I might add) is a clear standout. He hits all the right notes and easily is a huge part of why his character feels so real. The script by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwatz (both of whom also directed the film) is as human and honest, as it is feel good and heartwarming. A film that is heartwarming but also feels real is too rare these days. It is true that the script can get a little corny. However it is the good kind of corny that makes you feel happy inside opposed to the bad kind that makes you cringe. Also not hurting this film is the lovely cinematography by Nigel Bluck. There are so many shorts here that are so completely memorable and will stay in your mind long after watching the movie. The film also has many laugh out loud moments.
I also have to say as a fan of country and folk music, I loved the choice of songs used in this movie's soundtrack. It was a delight to hear such artists as Sara Watkins, Ola Belle Reed, Chance McCoy and Parker Ainsworth as I was watching this movie. Each of these songs was used very well fitting the on screen action fantastically.
If you want a feel good summer movie, you can not do better than this.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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