Before the advent of the Lifetime or Women's Entertainment networks, wherein made-for-cable movies regularly turn up about female bonding amidst great inner turmoil, something slight like "Leaving Normal" actually made a run in theaters; today, I doubt that would happen. Abused wife Meg Tilly hitches up with world-weary Christine Lahti for adventures on the road. It's a feminist comedy-drama with a few thoughtful things to say, but too much melodramatic nonsense and curious attempts at broad humor which do not work at all. Edward Zwick directed, and he gets this tale off to a shaky start (and Lahti, in particular, seems to struggle to find her character). It improves as it goes along, but not enough to make it a memorable trip. ** from ****
Review of Leaving Normal
