Watch The Open Road
- PG-13
- 2009
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5.5 (3,622)
The Open Road is a heartwarming drama film that was released in 2009. Directed by Michael Meredith, the movie follows a young man named Carlton Garrett (played by Justin Timberlake) as he embarks on a journey to rescue his estranged father, a legendary baseball player named Kyle (played by Jeff Bridges). Joining him on this journey is Kyle's girlfriend (played by Kate Mara), and a family friend (played by Harry Dean Stanton). The movie starts with Carlton being called by his mother to visit his ailing grandfather. Upon reaching home, he finds his father missing and sets out on a road trip to visit him. But things start turning sour when he reaches the ballpark where his father was last seen. Finding his father's van, Carlton is then forced to team up with Lucy, Kyle's girlfriend to track down his old man. Throughout the journey, Carlton and Lucy have to deal with various obstacles that test their patience, and determination. Their adventure takes them on a thrilling ride through the American countryside, as they make stops at motels, bars, and restaurants, meeting intriguing and unusual people along the way. As they continue searching for Carlton's father, they each come to realize that they have much more to figure out about themselves than just finding Kyle. Carlton, in particular, confronts issues with his father and begins to wonder if their long-awaited reunion will bring them closer together or push them even further apart. As the journey unfolds, Carlton gradually comes to understand his father's history, both as a great baseball player as well as a flawed and imperfect human being. In the process, Carlton begins to see the world with new eyes and to develop a deeper appreciation for the people in his life. The Open Road is a very relatable film that explores the complexities of family relationships, the nature of bravery, the inner struggles that everyone faces, and the idea of love and forgiveness. The actors in the film give an excellent performance. Justin Timberlake is outstanding as Carlton, and Jeff Bridges delivers a masterful performance, as always. The cinematography in The Open Road captures the beauty and majesty of the American countryside and provides a perfect backdrop for the story. The musical score is also noteworthy, as several well-known country music artists have contributed to the soundtrack. Overall, The Open Road is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good road film. It is a touching and heartwarming story that demonstrates how even the rockiest relationship can be mended, and how the simplest of moments can be incredibly profound. It may not be one of the most popular or heavily promoted films of its time, but it is undoubtedly one of the most overlooked gems of the last decade.