Directed by: Scott Rosenbaum
Starring: Kevin Zegers, Jason Ritter, Peter Fonda, Taryn Manning
Red Hawk Films
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 92 minutes
Our Score 3.5 out of 5 stars
Music is a big inspiration in my life and I am always jump at the chance to see a good music road-movie. That is what this film is a good music road-movie. You can tell when you watch the film that it is a real labor of love from director Scott Rosenbaum. He has put many years into this film and that is what makes this film unique. Most music films are cliche but this one makes a stand and stand aside from the others. Great performances only add more to this film…and it is one intense journey through the world of music.
Rock star Spyder (Kevin Zegers) is looking to record his band’s third album and seeks long lost childhood friend, Eric Genson (Jason Ritter) for help. Spyder is struggling and burnt out after the flop of his sophomore album. Eric agrees to help Spyder as long as they do it his way. The guys set out on a cross country journey from Long Island, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Accompanying the band is their manager (Taryn Manning), the legendary August West (Peter Fonda). As they travel along historic Route 66 it makes them realize what their journey truly means and what they are looking for in music and life.
The film is not all fun and games and is quite gritty and intense. It shows the ups but also a whole lot of downs as the group travels. The acting in this film is so key to this film working and it really succeeds. Kevin Zegers is dark and channels his goth rocker quite well. Jason Ritter is emotional and really sells this performance. Peter Fonda aces his character in the film as always as the aged but still cool rocker. I look forward to Scott Rosenbaum next feature to see what he draws up after this successful debut. Music fans keep an eye out for blues legends Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin and Sugar Blue.