By Mark Saldana
Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars)
This particular film actually was not on my originally planned SXSW schedule. I just happened to be at the Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter and since I had trekked south of all the madness downtown, I decided to remain at the theater and see the next film. After my Wilford Brimley, “it’s the right thing to do moment”, I watched a film featuring some excellent acting by Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler, but also a film which suffered from lackluster writing.
Scenic Route focuses on a road trip gone badly. Old buddies Mitchell (Duhamel) and Carter (Fogler) have taken this trip to get reacquainted and to strengthen their friendship which has been strained by recent developments. When the two end up stranded in the desert, the kid gloves eventually come off and both Carter and Mitchell begin to share what’s really on their minds.
The film features probably the strongest and most outstanding performances I have ever seen of Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler. They share a genuine chemistry which makes their friendship that much more credible. Unfortunately, the writing by Kyle Killen has several redundant moments in the story. I applaud most of the direction by Kevin and Michael Goetz, but do feel that the film has its moments that drag too long. I will recommend this movie, simply for the excellent acting of the two leads.