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Around the Bend concerns four generations of Lair men. There's eccentric patriarch Henry (Michael Caine), prodigal son Turner (Christopher Walken), bitter grandson Jason (Josh Lucas), and great-grandson Zach (Jonah Bobo). Shortly after Turner arrives in L.A. for a surprise visit, the ailing Henry dies. The remaining three take off on the road trip he had insisted on before his untimely passing. Jason is none too pleased--after all, his father ran out on him 30 years ago--but it was his Henry's dying wish. So there they are on the way to New Mexico, where long-buried secrets will finally be revealed. Heartwarming, if predictable, Around the Bend represents the softer side of its three leads and Walken is particularly effective in an uncharacteristic role (i.e., miles away from The Deer Hunter). His Turner is a bit odd, to be sure, but mostly he's just a regular guy who's made a few--rather substantial--mistakes. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A film about family values.
Around the bend was quite an interesting film, it starts with three generations of the Lair family who all live together when all of a sudden Christopher Walken's character decides to have a surprise visit who is Josh Lucas's father the only problem seems to be that he hasn't seen his son in almost 30 years. Micheal Caine plays the grandfather is an archeolagist and unfortunatley has a short role in this film after his demise he had written a will for his son and grandson to take a roadtrip and to scater his ashes in New Mexico, during there trip they uncover the past and learn to forgive each other they also seem to stop by at every Kentuky fried chicken restraunt for some reason.

I thought that the film was good although it did feel a bit contrived in some places but it is a light drama with a few humorous moments especialy with Josh Lucas's 7 year old son who used foul language but not in an offensive way and Christopher Walken who I think was completly terrific in this role. The film also tells us about how important our families can be and to not abandon them, the message was realy clear in a subtle way and wasn't shoved down our throats like some stupid big budget hollywood film does. I suggest that you should watch this if you are looking for a good and honest drama film.

Typical Hollywood in "independent" clothes
The first word spoken is "sh*t."Why can't characters say "ouch!" or "oh!"?The 7-year old child actor wisecracks about "t*tties" and sex. Great-grandpa dies and no one prays. The Swedish maid is tall and blonde and says "Yah Yah" and sleeps with Grandpa the day he wanders into the movie. Why? Because Hollywood thinks "Everyone talks and acts this way." They have no idea how people live.

Ordinary people are throwaways. We have all our meals at KFC while the "real people" are driving beat up VW busses and doing "important things" beneath our noses.

Michael Caine does a good job looking old. The father does a good job looking like an underwear-ad male model playing the part of a father. The child-actor is stock footage of the John Denver haircut, wise-cracking, sex-savvy cutey pie.Christopher Walken is supposed to be a just-out-of-prison grandfather, but his hair is brown as a shoeshine, and stands straight up in a kind of Lyle Lovette imitation. He shreiks the F-word a few times so you know he is acting.

A dour, sour movie that looks like a Hollywood version of an indie movie - which it is.

If you get the DVD - the interview with the writer tells you enough: slovenly, unshaven, unkempt - the Hollywood version of the "writer." The guy can't even take a shower, or sit up straight and talk to us after we bought his silly movie.

Memo to writer: take a class in originality
There is an unspoken understanding between the writer and the audience to the effect that, "This is a movie about a quirky, dysfunctional family, but in the end, everybody is going to get together somehow, and there will be love and understanding, etc."

The younger Dad is a cold fish with zero appeal on any level. Why we should want to watch and listen to him for the length of a feature film, I cannot imagine. His little son is way too precocious, uttering insights out of the blue that would never occur to a kid that age, unless the kid were an actor in a movie where the scriptwriter wanted to insert an idea into a scene. Michael Caine exits the film with a stupid suicide that does not seem like a really good example for a young kid to witness. Now you tell me, if gramps really loved his grandson, as the movie wants us to think he did, then how can we explain this act. Pure stupidity. This sort of plot device just makes the viewer want to press the Stop button immediately.

Walken, of SNL fame ("en my country eet iz called 'sham pan ya'"), where I really liked him, is wasted with a script completely lacking in wit or humor other than the most obvious "ha ha, gotcha" variety.

The scenes and devices used reminded me of half a dozen other films among the thousands I have watched. I give two stars because the movie was just good enough to sucker me into watching for forty minutes.

Honest, tender, worthy to be seen.
I wasn't sure what this movie was about when I rented it but I so love Christopher Walken, I was willing to take a chance.I'm delighted I did as this film -- so wonderfully written -- reaches deeply into topics and subjects that rang true for me.

The writing, acting and directing are all in sync and I'd watch it again to appreciate its layered and textured messages.

I found it refreshing, original and courageous.Thank you Jordan Roberts for working it through, working it out and giving these outstanding actors the opportunity to deliver their gifts.Well done.

Far from perfect but it certainly deserves some praise
This 2004 film wasn't nominated for any Oscars.I can see why.It's a bit maudlin, the pace is slow and it is too introspective for its own good.But Christopher Walken did win a Golden Satellite Award (whatever that is) for best actor and another Best Actor Award at the Montreal Film Festival.I'm glad, because it certain deserves some praise although it is far from a perfect film.

The film opens with Michael Caine. a cantankerous old man who lives with is adult grandson and young great grandson, planning his own demise.As he's been an archeologist all his life, he gets quite creative as he talks about tribal rituals. Within the first few minutes of the film, the small family gets a visitor.It is Christopher Walken, his son, who has been out of touch with the family for many years.Michel Caine is elated, although the grandson, Josh Lucas, is a bit put off.After all, Christopher Walken, his father, had deserted him when he was only 2-years old and he still bears resentment.The young grandson, played by Jonah Bobo is delighted, however.He's only six year old and to him, and, to him, the world is a wonder.

Soon the four men are having dinner in Michael Caine's favorite restaurant, the local Kentucky Fried Chicken. Later, Christopher Walken say is he is leaving the next day.And this sets Michael Caine in motion.He commits suicide in a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant and leaves his family instructions for a complicated ritual which not only involves mixing his ashes with that of his dog, but also traveling around and scattering ashes in a wide variety of places that mean a lot to him.Also included in this ritual are many meals together in various Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants.

Some of what follows is quite comical.Other parts are melodramatic and play like a soap opera.The acting was great, especially Christopher Walken.Usually his parts are very small, but this time the whole story wrapped around him and he was in almost every scene.Naturally, family secrets are revealed.And there is a lot of bonding.I even had a few giggles during some of the lighter scenes.And, after the film was over, I found myself thinking about for a long time.I'm surprised that I liked it as much as I did.But I just can't help my positive feelings for this film and I therefore recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Exciting action film
I highly recommend this action film. The plot is full of suspense, the actors are well cast, and the setting feels realistic.

Definetely watchable if not applaudable
I was quite suprised to find my self sitting down to take in this movie twice right after I had already watched it once.

In a place like Mexico, where one tends to think that the triple threat of death violence and corruption are more rampant than other parts of North America, this movie takes a more or less sublime approach in its portrayal of it.

The contrast on the psychological landscape is onmipresent. Whereas in parts the movie seems rather slow and dull, it is the constant threat of violence from one incident to the next that propels the movie in a reverse spiral that keeps the movie goer engaged.

Also in Hollywood, it is rare to find sibling pictures that involve the relationship of brother/sister and the main protagonist, in search of her brother, is admirable in her selfless and heroic effort to locate him.

A dazzling ending that is impossible to guess up until the final farame, shows the ingenuity of the writer and the story line and gives one pause for thought long after the final credits have rolled up.

Highly recommended.

Brave heroine in Mexican setting
This is not an "action-packed" movie, rather it has a more subdued suspense, and that's why I liked it. The main character, Mitch, a woman who is trying to recover from the death of her two children, finds herself in a life and death situation with a network of criminals while traveling with her brother in Mexico. When her brother suddenly disappears, she sets out to find him. Her ongoing grief and despair over her children is what actually give her an edge when she faces her would-be killers. For one thing, she really doesn't care if she dies, yet she really does want to find her brother who has gone missing in this underground world, because he is the only person she has left. Her combination of bravery, determination, and yet a willingness to die is just enough to confound her attackers, and I had a sense of respect for her character.

The Mexican man who helps Mitch find her way around is very likable, and gives a good contrast to the grimness of the other characters and tense situations. The setting in Mexican locales is interesting...and although they whiz by quicky, there are shots of a quaint village scene, a marketplace, winding streets, a long desert road, along with the harsher scenes of bar life, and the hovels made of tin and cardboard that serve as houses. Other than the movie ending rather abruptly, without a great sense of closure, I found it to be satisfying entertainment,

Entertaining and suspenseful
I enjoyed this movie pretty much from beginning to end. It was not predictable and kept my interest. It was good to see a female character who was determined and brave. Also, the Mexican taxi driver was great as well! While the plot is a little implausible, if you suspend your disbelief, you may find the story quite absorbing and suspenseful. I recommend it for the characters and the exciting action. Stacy Edwards was outstanding.

Good sleeper
Mexico City is a good movie for those looking for a mystery film, without the typical Hollywood feel. the acting was decent and the story keeps moving. What I liked most is that the movie will suprise you with new clues that link up the mystery. Some suspensful scenes too. I thought the fild was beautifully shot and choreographed too. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Exciting action film
I highly recommend this action film. The plot is full of suspense, the actors are well cast, and the setting feels realistic.

Definetely watchable if not applaudable
I was quite suprised to find my self sitting down to take in this movie twice right after I had already watched it once.

In a place like Mexico, where one tends to think that the triple threat of death violence and corruption are more rampant than other parts of North America, this movie takes a more or less sublime approach in its portrayal of it.

The contrast on the psychological landscape is onmipresent. Whereas in parts the movie seems rather slow and dull, it is the constant threat of violence from one incident to the next that propels the movie in a reverse spiral that keeps the movie goer engaged.

Also in Hollywood, it is rare to find sibling pictures that involve the relationship of brother/sister and the main protagonist, in search of her brother, is admirable in her selfless and heroic effort to locate him.

A dazzling ending that is impossible to guess up until the final farame, shows the ingenuity of the writer and the story line and gives one pause for thought long after the final credits have rolled up.

Highly recommended.

Brave heroine in Mexican setting
This is not an "action-packed" movie, rather it has a more subdued suspense, and that's why I liked it. The main character, Mitch, a woman who is trying to recover from the death of her two children, finds herself in a life and death situation with a network of criminals while traveling with her brother in Mexico. When her brother suddenly disappears, she sets out to find him. Her ongoing grief and despair over her children is what actually give her an edge when she faces her would-be killers. For one thing, she really doesn't care if she dies, yet she really does want to find her brother who has gone missing in this underground world, because he is the only person she has left. Her combination of bravery, determination, and yet a willingness to die is just enough to confound her attackers, and I had a sense of respect for her character.

The Mexican man who helps Mitch find her way around is very likable, and gives a good contrast to the grimness of the other characters and tense situations. The setting in Mexican locales is interesting...and although they whiz by quicky, there are shots of a quaint village scene, a marketplace, winding streets, a long desert road, along with the harsher scenes of bar life, and the hovels made of tin and cardboard that serve as houses. Other than the movie ending rather abruptly, without a great sense of closure, I found it to be satisfying entertainment,

Entertaining and suspenseful
I enjoyed this movie pretty much from beginning to end. It was not predictable and kept my interest. It was good to see a female character who was determined and brave. Also, the Mexican taxi driver was great as well! While the plot is a little implausible, if you suspend your disbelief, you may find the story quite absorbing and suspenseful. I recommend it for the characters and the exciting action. Stacy Edwards was outstanding.

Good sleeper
Mexico City is a good movie for those looking for a mystery film, without the typical Hollywood feel. the acting was decent and the story keeps moving. What I liked most is that the movie will suprise you with new clues that link up the mystery. Some suspensful scenes too. I thought the fild was beautifully shot and choreographed too. ... Read more