Road trips are not ordinary journeys even though they resemble the typical car rides that we all often tend to commute with, as we try to reach our tailored destinations.
The runtime is the time duration of a movie or TV program when it is played continuously, from start to finish, without any interruption. Comedy-losing, films about road trips are common as they trigger this emotion of excitement and freedom.
Being the theme of this blog post, this post will probably be about five movies having to do with road trips. Through such movies, we see individuals, embark on adventures, uncover new things, and build strong connections.
They have cool tanks and make us want to go and see those sites ourselves. Thus, it is up to us to take a peek into the road trip movies universe and see what the best ones out there.
Almost Famous
Title: Almost Famous (2000)
Director: Cameron Crowe
Based on 1973, staged “Almost Famous” traces the route of 15 years old William Miller (portrayed by Patrick Fugit), an eager-to-get music journalist who gets offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour with a band called Stillwater and be a reporter for “Rolling Stone” magazine.
William’s protective mother, Elaine Miller (played by Frances McDormand), reluctantly allows him to go on the road, provided he stays out of trouble and continues his education.
While touring with Stillwater, William himself goes ups and downs with the swings and changes of rock ‘n roll’s lifestyle. Gaining trust and affection from each member, including the guitarist, Russell Hammond who is played by Billy Crudup, and the lead vocal, Jeff Bebe who is played by Jason Lee.
Why it’s good: “Almost Famous” receives broad critical acclaim due to its strong emotional resonance, high level of detail, strong performances by actors, compelling narrator, and a bag full of melodies that make up the movie soundtrack.
Music journalist of the 70s, Cameron Crowe, not only wrote the film’s screenplay but also used his insights of the era to create a realistic depiction for the audiences, while the star-studded cast portray the characters’ depth and their complex backgrounds.
The film blends the buddies, love, and self-discovery themes that are popular, as it engages viewers with sensational storytelling, and it also does this via classic rock anthems.
Drive-Away Dolls
Title: Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Director: Ethan Coen
Synopsis
“Drive Away Dolls” introduces Jamie (played by Beanie Feldstein) and Marian (played by Margaret Qualley), two young girls who are at a turning point in life.
Jamie is conflicted by the guilt feeling that resulted after Jamie dumped her girlfriend, and Marian is badly in need of some relaxation.
Crazed by the urge for change, they make an unplanned decision to head to Tallahassee on their road trip for a new start. The two of them are moving on with their lives, but they surprise themselves when they stumble upon a botched robbery by a bunch of incompetent crooks.
Why is it so good: “Drive-Away Dolls” has earned a dual response from the audience, yet it’s colorful and interactive.
Critics address the smart sense of humor, liveliness performances, and a comic approach to the freedom of lesbians.
From some drawbacks of speed and plot, the movie became an instant cult classic that is famed for offering a thrilling ride with lightheartedness and funny turns in the plot.
Easy Rider
Title: Easy Rider (1969)
Director: Dennis Hopper
Synopsis
“Easy Rider” depicts the story of Wyatt (played by Peter Fonda) and Billy (played by Dennis Hopper) – a couple of Harley-riding youths who ride from southern California to Mexico City for a drug deal and, after that, decide to ride cross-country to find their spiritual center.
When passing by those small towns in America, the characters suffered countless ill-treating from people and other dare-devil travelers who were also on the road. New Orleans, they embark on an almost paralyzing drug journey to see if they can attain peace in America.
Why is it good: “Easy Rider” is viewed highly because of the movie’s hippie vibe, classic soundtrack, and depiction of alienation among the young people in the United States of America.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Title: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
Director: Terry Gilliam
Synopsis
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” which shows Raoul Duke (played by Johnny Depp) and his lawyer Dr. Gonzo (portrayed by Benicio del Toro) on a drug trip to Las Vegas, is a famous movie.
Driving a red convertible across the desert scanning a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race the pair’s pastime in narcotics speedily increases.
With their insobriety, they participate in absurd actions like vandalizing their hotel room, and their fear of consequences becomes intense.
However, at first, he makes up his mind to drive back to Los Angeles but then returns to Las Vegas after having a strange dialogue with a police doctor (played on Gary Busey’s part), still in the roar of taking drugs.
Why it’s good: “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” is a powerful movie with exceptional and unearthly visuals that is based on Thompson’s novel. The directing style by Terry Gilliam generates a chaotic and hallucinative atmosphere that genuinely represents the style of gonzo journalism of Thompson.
Little Miss Sunshine
Title: Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Directors: Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton
Synopsis
“Little Miss Sunshine” which is one of my all-time favorite movies follows the Hoover family who is on their way to Redondo Beach, California from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This bizarre family consists of Richard (Greg Kinnear), his wife Sheryl (Toni Collette), their uncle Frank (Steve Carell), their son Dwayne (Paul Dano) and foul-mouthed
They are ready to assist their daughter, Olive (Abigail Breslin) to see through her desire to participate in the Little Miss Sunshine contest.
Nevertheless, all of their wacky and often amusing incidents that come up as they share the broken down VW bus’s road, from the little conflicts that arise to groups vying for the leadership position, serve to unite and strengthen their crazy and unusual journey as a group.
Why it’s good: The movie “Little Miss Sunshine” stands out for its true-to-life show of the broken home and the balance of its sorrow and comedy aspects.
The critics liked the film for the fact it was different from other family films and also for its funny characters and the idea of being yourself and allowing your family members to be themselves too.
Conclusion
In the end, the films about road trips carry the viewer far away and to the romantic places where people either seek adventure or search for themselves.
From the fully immersive road trip in “Easy Rider” to the intricate and witty family relationship-building in “Little Miss Sunshine,” these films are bound to mesmerize the audience.
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