Directed by:
Shainee GabelScreenplay:
Shainee GabelCinematography:
Elliot DavisComposer:
Nathan LarsonCast:
John Travolta, Scarlett Johansson, Gabriel Macht, Deborah Kara Unger, Dane Rhodes, David Jensen, Clayne Crawford, Sonny Shroyer, Carol Sutton, Warren Kole (more)Plots(1)
Dipping a spoon in a jar of peanut butter and coating it in M&Ms while watching gory medical shows on television is, for Pursy (Scarlett Johansson), an afternoon well-spent. But, when her mother's death forces her to get off the couch and leave her trailer park and grimy boyfriend behind, she finds some new friends who have her bested in the sloth department. Arriving at her late mother's home in New Orleans, she meets Bobby Long (John Travolta) and his sidekick Lawson (Gabriel Macht), two sweaty alcoholics who are squatting in the dilapidated dwelling. Bobby Long not only lies to Pursy about the fact that she legally owns the house--taking advantage of her innocence--he also behaves like an angry and aggressive dirty old man. It is Lawson who sees Pursy for who she is--a directionless 18-year-old girl who desperately needs guidance and positive role models. His fatherly support sparks an instant crush between the two, which only fuels Bobby's drinking and deviance. However, with time and patience the three friends find they have more in common than they first realized, and they help each other to get back on track. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
I saw this film sometime in the summer of 2008 – but unfortunately with not very good Czech dubbing. The second viewing (in the original audio, of course) gave me an even deeper and more intense experience, mainly thanks to the great John Travolta (of all his recent roles he is clearly the best), the appropriately chosen setting, and last but not least the well thought-out script and pleasant soundtrack. As already mentioned here – this is an indie film that fits in easily enough and is quickly forgotten in the wider consciousness. It's a shame really, because this is a beautiful story that not only has a head and a heel, but also a heart. 90%
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