Fairaher
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Jonah Abbott
There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
Fatma Suarez
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
Tss5078
Some stories can be extremely compelling and make for truly heart-wrenching drama, but no matter how real the story is or how much we feel for the characters, there are only so many angles and so many ways to tell a story. After a school residual, The Learner family stops to get gas and their 10 year old son goes to release fireflies by the side of the road. At the same time, a man returning from the Red Sox game is more interested in his cell phone than the road, and runs the young boy over. From there on the movie is as you would expect it to be. One side is devastated while the other is in cover up mode. The police investigation, vigilantism, bereavement, and the justice system get involved in what turns out to be little more than a lifetime movie of the week. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic as the grieving father out seeking revenge, in the kind of performance that really makes you feel for the guy, but aside from that, Reservation Road is just a very predictable film that is out for one thing, your tears. It's a sad story told from every possible angle, covering every possible thing that could happen in a situation like this, and it's definitely preaching about the dangers of distracted driving. If not for the huge cast, this could have easily been a lifetime movie, as the writing was that predictable and amateurish. The bottom line on Reservation Road is that it's a preachy, predictable, tear-jerker, without much substance, probably not worth your time unless you like that kind of thing.
Chrysanthepop
Terry George has already established a name for himself as a writer and director. His previous directorial venture, 'Hotel Rwanda' tells the poignant story of Paul Rusesabagina's courageous attempt to rescue thousands of Rwandans during a genocide that was largely ignored by the world. With 'Reservation Road' he tells a harrowing story of one of the worst kinds of losses experienced by humans (especially parents) the loss of a child.John Burnham Schwartz adapts his own novel and his screenplay is rich in detail, story and character development. George doesn't only touch on the issue of grief but also on anger, obsession, revenge, guilt and taking responsibility that result from such severe loss. The tension he builds through atmosphere and interaction of actors, the poetic flow, stunning cinematography and soundtrack all come together beautifully. In addition the viewer is kept in suspense.The emotions and reactions displayed by the performers are very raw and appear very natural. All the actors do nothing short of superb, even though the film mainly belongs to Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix (both are exceptional as they deliver one of the best of their careers). Jennifer Connelly is remarkable and Elle Fanning is brilliant. Mira Sorvino provides adequate support in a small role.Emotionally engaging, engrossing and layered, 'Reservation Road' successfully involves the viewer and lingers in mind long after the closing credits have rolled. It's a shame that the film was poorly marketed (even with a huge starcast) and got overlooked by people.
board-5
Joaquin Phoenix,and Mark Ruffalo shines in this sad drama,sometimes they just too strong,it's their movie,screenplay writers wanted something more,but that is not enough strong to be enough memorable when these two fantastic actors are on the screen,but the movie has it's own message.Jennifer Connelly,and Mira Sorvino are not enough memorable in this,unfortunately the two main male characters pushed them to the invisible zone,I mean If I don't see the movies main page before I send this comment,I will not remember them.7/10-one of the better social-family dramas I've seen in this year.
TonyLeone32360
This was a very good drama with a good plot. We all have families that would be devastated with the loss of a loved one. We would all handle it differently and this movie shares one such avenue for justice we would seek. The scenes were set in the northeast and were all very well done. The actor/actresses did a real good job with their characters. I especially liked the dialogue between Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly. One part was quite predictable but did not ruin the story. I found it quite interesting and entertaining. The end was not what I would have done and some viewers may have a similar comment. But overall was an entertaining movie worth 2 hours of your time.
