Directed by: Marshall Lewy
Starring: Robert Carlyle, Alexia Rasmussen, Kathleen Wilhoite, A Martinez, Michael Des Barres, Danny Masterson
Distributed by Strand Releasing
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running time: 94 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
I came across this film since I was asked to interview Robert Carlyle. Read our interview here! I have been a fan of his work dating back to “Trainspotting”. He is one of the best character actors in the business, as he completely transforms himself throughout each role. Currently he is playing Rumpelstiltskin in the TV series “Once Upon a Time” and that just backs up my comment if you have seen the show. Carlyle completely emerges himself in the role of Lachlan MacAldonich and easily delivers his best performance to date. If you are looking for a great character drama to sum up the year, then look no further than “California Solo”.
The film follows Lachlan (Robert Carlyle), who is a ex-Britpop rocker that is now working in a farm in Los Angeles. After he gets into a run-in with the law for driving drunk, he faces the treat of deportation. Lachlan has to not only fight to stay in the US but also confront his inner demons that he has been avoiding. We get to see many different aspects of Lachlan as his enters this journey and battles his biggest fears.
What does get me a little upset about this film is that all the hard work will probably not get the respect it deserves. With the theaters crowded with possible award deserving films, the indie gem “California Solo” might get lost in the shuffle. Out of all the performance, I have seen this year, I believe that Carlyle deserves to be recognized for this performance. The man even sing a tune in the song, which only adds to the honesty and rawness of the film. Director Marshall Lewy also delivers a side of California that you never usually see. I really enjoyed watching this film through his vision and I will be following to see what he does next very closing. “California Solo” is in theaters now, so if you can track this down be sure not to miss it and spread the word!