ManiakJiggy This is How Movies Should Be Made

Micitype Pretty Good

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Ella-May O'Brien Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

thepooles-1 I feel the script failed to make the subject matter meaningful to mainstream viewers. One cannot expect the director, writer or actors to worry about the commercial viability of the project. Producers and backers should have a say and they perhaps failed to warn that the story would not be compelling to regular folk. One is free to make any movie one can imagine but just don't assume that it will make a profit for those who put up the funds.The character of Jimmy had no redeeming aspects. He was a teenage slacker and continued that pose for his entire life. A father breaking his guitar would have not made most rebellious teenagers totally quit. The viewer is left wondering what will become of such a callow male. Living with his mom for a few years? Maybe getting a job stacking cans at the local market? His mother's unconditional love won't save Jimmy. A compelling film just doesn't portray human failure. It must offer an uplifting epiphany or catharsis. Jimmy confessing to his mother about his mundane duties with BOC is hardly a notable catharsis that might lead to viable adult goals. Again, one can have skilled actors but if the story can't truly resonate with regular folk then expect to lose your investor's money. One DOES have an obligation to think of them as well as your own "artistic" ethos.

jtncsmistad You don't know me (most likely). But this guy Jimmy (Ron Eldard, in an affectingly understated performance) in "Roadie" is me. Not in every aspect of his life, certainly. But in essence.Jimmy cherishes, and largely lives in, the past. It is an intimate history, though fraught with it's share of painful memories, that inspires intensely felt emotions of a carefree youth. And much of this joy is generated by a deep, abiding love of an intoxicating (both viscerally and literally) siren sound. It is the powerful, so often times overpowering, beautiful noise of Rock 'n Roll. It permeates not just the atmosphere, but also the soul, with it's rapturous allure.The only problem is, ya gotta grow up. Or not. Jimmy has decided to pursue a path based on the latter. His is a personal resolution which has perpetuated an adolescent sensibility well into his '40's. And now maturation and responsibility may finally not be just be knocking on his door. They're kicking the son-of-a-bitch down.Some of what we get with "Roadie" may be considered overly small, petty and sophomoric against the backdrop of this mostly serious character study. The grown-up and now married to each other versions of the principal high school bullies and belittlers who tormented a teenage Jimmy played by Bobby Cannavale and Jill Hennessy comprise the collective case in point. They serve their purpose in terms of the "you can leave high school, but high school never leaves you" plot device. But perhaps that function is a bit overserved here.In the end, "Roadie" leaves us with the sense that maybe you can go home after all. And loved ones may actually be damn proud of you and what you've done with your life. Even if such sentiment is never expressly spoken.And, ultimately, we witness touching confirmation that a son always loves his Mother. And vice versa.Always.

camparisafari I was really moved by this film , great performances from Lois Smith and Ron Eldard - like the previous reviewer wrote there is great chemistry between them and none of the performances are hackneyed or overworked , its a perfectly practical plot and it allows for the cast to put in some shining examples - the motel scene is particularly effective, as are the kitchen scenes with the Lois Smith doing some excellent pottering ! Don't know why the the reviews haven't been more glowing for this its a little gem of a film , one for reflection and not gushy or sentimental its pitch perfect , great soundtrack too even though there's no 'Reaper from the blue oyster cult I heartily recommend you watch this with a hangover and you phone your parents and tell them how great they are!

Trussell1890 Thinking that men have sincere regrets at mid life makes this movie rock. Real interpretation of what happens to people. Life happens! Did not think the whole theme would work for me, yet it really did. It was a look at real life, with regrets and why we make the decisions we do. Going with the flow, as most youths do and the fun it brings depicts this movie. Letting yourself listen to the music and see things happen in the movie just because things happen keeps you thinking. Now what would I have done. Do we go with what feels good or do we set goals. The memory of times past and our life today depends on our past. Our path can change if we let it. I never review movies but if you are a baby boomer you should she this. Then be grateful for who you are today. And realize you can change things if you want. Makes you think. Sometimes thinking is the problem and not the solution but in this case it isn't.See this film if you are forty or older! Never mind everyone should see it. Cheers or maybe not after this one!