THE ROAD 3.5***
How to describe this stunning movie. It is as bleak and despairing as any you may ever see which was also true of the book. But, it is ,nonetheless, an inspiring, powerful love story of a father and son. The setting is sometime in the not so distant future following a global disaster of massive proportions…an apocalypse leaving only a few survivors in the world and they are in a horribly desperate place where civilization has deteriorated to the point of complete lawlessness. The "bad" guys are human only in the sense that they still look like humans but they have become mean, vicious marauders who rape and kill without hesitation..initially for the thrill of it and also to steal food, water and other materials. When the food runs out they then capture and kill with their victims becoming the food…yes, cannibalism.

"The Road" is the story of a father and son making the very perilous "road" trip from their former home to where they hope and believe there is a better safer place… somewhere in the southern part of the USA where the other "good" people are supposedly gathering to live in a restored civilization. The trip…the long “road” they follow and only on foot..is so treacherous, so full of danger and menace.. not only are they worn out and exhausted by the journey, those watching the film will be too This is a truly hard film to sit through and endure for the full 1 hr. and 53 min...but if you can endure the darkness, it has its rewards. The father-son love story is moving and powerful, the cinematography is remarkable for presenting such a realistic apocalyptic world and the acting is excellent, especially by Viggo Mortensen, as the lovingly, dedicated father… he will be nominated for an Oscar.

Surprisingly, there is very little violence, no gore, no profanity…there is suspense as you are constantly in fear for the father /son, and foremost an almost overpowering feeling of dread and despair…offset only, but not completely, by the touching, powerful love story.

Only the most sturdy or heart and disposition should attempt this movie…it is the complete..180 degree opposite of a "feel good" movie. In fact, after I saw it I had to go home and watch some several “Three Stooges" episodes on TV to restore myself. BUT, despite its drawbacks, it is an excellent artistic movie.

Clark

NOTE: I have seen “Avatar”… my review coming soon… it is absolutely stunning…a 4**** film. YOU MUST SEE IT IN 3D.