|
It’s
a completely predictable story. A grumpy, stubborn old man with
bad eyes and no driver’s license + a riding lawn mower + a sick
brother whom he hasn’t seen in 10 years in another state. This
plotline doesn’t require a rocket scientist to figure out what
will happen next.
Alvin
Straight (Richard Farnsworth) is 74. He lives in a humble house
with his daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek), who spends her spare time
making a little income on the side making birdhouses for the local
hardware store. Life is idyllic, though the income side of things
seems a bit sparse. Just as Alvin finds out that his health is
failing, he also hears that his brother in Wisconsin, with whom he
hasn’t communicated in 10 years, has suffered a stroke. Alvin
assesses the situation and comes up with the best solution: he
will journey to Mount Zion, Wis., in his own stubborn way, aboard
his riding lawn mower.
Alvin
builds a trailer to sleep in for the trip and to carry the things
he would need along the way. He and Rose stock a cooler full of
hot dogs and liver sausage for the trip. He bids Rose goodbye,
passes his buddies on the road (they place bets that he won’t
even make it beyond the religious shrine just down the road), and
he sets out for his goal. Less than five miles out, his riding
mower blows its engine. He and the mower end up being transported
back into town on a flatbed truck. The journey starts anew a few
days later: this time aboard a new-used John Deere riding mower
(nothing runs like a Deere?), and together they set out again on
the adventure.
Along
the way Alvin encounters dangers, interesting people whom he
enriches with his folksy wisdom, and the adventure of the open sky
and the open road. He camps along the roadsides, eats his hot dogs
and reminisces about the stars in the sky.
There
are magical moments in this movie in which you, the viewer, are
transformed by the beauty of the surrounding countryside, as Alvin
plods along. You get to breathe in deep at night, when the sky is
black as ink and the stars shine brightly.
(To
top of second column)
|
There
are mystical moments in this movie in which you, the viewer, were
amazed at the depth of Alvin’s wisdom and the generosity of his
spirit. He has lived 74 years, has sorted out the good from the bad,
and with respect and goodness of heart, offers friendship to those he
comes in contact with, offering sagely advice where it is needed.
There
were also some really boring moments in this movie. At times, the plot
plodded along at about the speed of that riding mower. I thought there
was about an hour of story stretched out onto almost two hours of
film. Even the music track seemed to accentuate the slow pace by sheer
repetition of the musical themes. Alvin is a man who speaks slowly,
rides slowly and even chews slowly. If you are going to take this
journey with him, be ready to really kick back, be patient and take it
easy.
Farnsworth
himself is worth the price of this rental. His portrayal of Alvin
Straight is amazing. There is enough character in his voice to help me
remember the things he said for many years. And, it seems perfectly
right that he should be nominated for an Academy Award for his
outstanding portrayal of this "Straight" character.
And
although this is a very predictable story, this film reminds us of the
value of strong, honest character, compelling adventure and simplicity
of life. I recommend that you give it a chance to work a little magic
on your soul. I give it 3½ stars (out of five).
[midge]
Wondering
what a movie would have to have to get 4 stars or even 5? Email me at midge@lincolndailynews.com.
Glad to let you know.
|
