Bonneville an adventure that three middle age women (Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Joan Allen) embark on when one of their husbands, Joe, dies suddenly. Conflict arises when the daughter (Christine Baranski), by a previous marriage, of the deceased decides she wants to bury him near the family (the daughter's family) home in Santa Barbara. Arvilla (Jessica Lange), the 2cd wife of twenty years must deliver the ashes or risk loosing the house in Idaho that she shared with Joe. Joe specifically requested that his ashes be spread in nature but his daughter does not want to acknowledge the other life he built in Idaho and uses the Idaho homestead as leverage to get Arvilla to hand over the ashes. Lange and posse (Kathy Bates as Margene and Joan Allen as Carol) start a 'Thelma & Louise' style trip in an early-70's Pontiac Bonneville convertible. The movie points out that the three friends are Mormon but the religion of the deceased husband is not discussed. Margene is looking for a autumn romance, and Carol is wound up tight and very devout. All while Arvilla is just trying to cope with the sudden death of the man she loves. Will the three heroines find their way to happiness or contentment? Undoubt-ably. The movie is definitely enjoyable but drags in the center (bathroom break). Never actually seeing Arvilla and Joe together, I never got a feeling of how deep their love was. The Film originally slated for a 2006 released was re-worked for 2007. Since this was an early preview of the re-work things can still change.
40 Reviews
Caution: Women on Road Trip, Stumble, Fall
Half_the_Audience7 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Bonneville is the result of what happens when a bunch of men produce a movie about-- and ostensibly for-- women, but make sure it's written and directed by men. Honestly, I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever get to see the woman's point of view in a Hollywood movie. Ever.
Three BFF's of a certain age, set out on a road trip for the purpose of personally delivering the remains of one's recently deceased husband, to his funeral service. You see, the man's daughter by his first marriage, is intent on having Daddy interred with Mommy, even though Daddy was married to another woman for the last 20 years of his life. But we all know that women are jealous of other women so if the widow doesn't ante up the ashes, the step-daughter will take away her house.
There are many similarities between this and another significant female buddy road trip movie from a few years back. The Bonneville gals even don the "uniform" of the free feminine spiritthe chiffon head scarf and a pair of big dark glasses a la Grace Kelly. Not to mention, they're in a convertible and the sight of all that unruly hair would be too much for most viewers.
En route from Idaho to California, Arvilla, the widow and her pals, the feisty Marjeen, and Carolyn, the obedient Morman, prove that women just can't be left on their own as they helplessly stand by, pondering their fate, when they blow a tire on the Salt Flats of Utah. Thank God that a young strapping man on his own personal quest wanders up to save them. Thank the screenwriter that this hottie doesn't sleep with one of them and steal their money.
During a few more stops along the way that seem impromptu but are really part of Arvilla's grand scheme to relive earlier adventures, albeit only in her mind, we are lulled by lovely scenery, a new-age hip soundtrack (courtesy of the young strapping man), and the predictable bit of bickering from our menopausal ménage.
And what girl-bonding trip would be complete without a handsome silver-fox to ride in and rescue the quirkiest, least attractive yet most "real" gal with true romance? So much for real-life rejection and disappointment.
Eventually, the three take a break from all this passivity and rent a houseboat on a convenient lake. Mere hours later Arvilla manages to run it aground. I kept waiting for her to accidentally drive the car off into a canyon. Oh wait, that's the other movie...
Fellas, let me tell you a secret: For centuries women have known that if they act helpless, you'll not only take over and do the dirty work, you'll feel better about yourselves having done it. She's running the whole game but she doesn't even have to break a nail. But trust me, when you're not around, she does just fine. In fact, women are infinitely more collaborative than movies (and men) give them credit. It is not credible to think that Kathy Bates couldn't have put her weight into getting that lug nut off the wheel. Even less so that the three of them didn't work together to figure it out. So stick to writing and directing and producing those fresh and original young man coming-of-age stories. No one does them better than you. Lord knows you've had enough practice.
At last we gather at a chapel to honor the absent patriarch, but where a woman's master plan is undone by simple clumsiness played for laughs. If you like your cine-women to act out the rituals of sisterhood, yet worship at the altar of men, this might be your movie. Personally I hope the next time I travel the heroine's journey to rediscover the feminine spirit-- yet remapped as folklore by men is never. Ever.
Three BFF's of a certain age, set out on a road trip for the purpose of personally delivering the remains of one's recently deceased husband, to his funeral service. You see, the man's daughter by his first marriage, is intent on having Daddy interred with Mommy, even though Daddy was married to another woman for the last 20 years of his life. But we all know that women are jealous of other women so if the widow doesn't ante up the ashes, the step-daughter will take away her house.
There are many similarities between this and another significant female buddy road trip movie from a few years back. The Bonneville gals even don the "uniform" of the free feminine spiritthe chiffon head scarf and a pair of big dark glasses a la Grace Kelly. Not to mention, they're in a convertible and the sight of all that unruly hair would be too much for most viewers.
En route from Idaho to California, Arvilla, the widow and her pals, the feisty Marjeen, and Carolyn, the obedient Morman, prove that women just can't be left on their own as they helplessly stand by, pondering their fate, when they blow a tire on the Salt Flats of Utah. Thank God that a young strapping man on his own personal quest wanders up to save them. Thank the screenwriter that this hottie doesn't sleep with one of them and steal their money.
During a few more stops along the way that seem impromptu but are really part of Arvilla's grand scheme to relive earlier adventures, albeit only in her mind, we are lulled by lovely scenery, a new-age hip soundtrack (courtesy of the young strapping man), and the predictable bit of bickering from our menopausal ménage.
And what girl-bonding trip would be complete without a handsome silver-fox to ride in and rescue the quirkiest, least attractive yet most "real" gal with true romance? So much for real-life rejection and disappointment.
Eventually, the three take a break from all this passivity and rent a houseboat on a convenient lake. Mere hours later Arvilla manages to run it aground. I kept waiting for her to accidentally drive the car off into a canyon. Oh wait, that's the other movie...
Fellas, let me tell you a secret: For centuries women have known that if they act helpless, you'll not only take over and do the dirty work, you'll feel better about yourselves having done it. She's running the whole game but she doesn't even have to break a nail. But trust me, when you're not around, she does just fine. In fact, women are infinitely more collaborative than movies (and men) give them credit. It is not credible to think that Kathy Bates couldn't have put her weight into getting that lug nut off the wheel. Even less so that the three of them didn't work together to figure it out. So stick to writing and directing and producing those fresh and original young man coming-of-age stories. No one does them better than you. Lord knows you've had enough practice.
At last we gather at a chapel to honor the absent patriarch, but where a woman's master plan is undone by simple clumsiness played for laughs. If you like your cine-women to act out the rituals of sisterhood, yet worship at the altar of men, this might be your movie. Personally I hope the next time I travel the heroine's journey to rediscover the feminine spirit-- yet remapped as folklore by men is never. Ever.
Spontaneous love,subcutaneous love and everlasting
arunzjohn7 April 2008
Excellent Movie.Good Landscapes and a great Bonneville.This story about the reunion of three elderley ladies,open a world of wonderful experiences of friendshipand ways to revive it.It also outlines the attitude towards life which is more important that the way we normally approach it.Spontaneous love,subcutaneous love and everlasting love...all have been depicted in this fabulous movie.Excellent Movie.Good Landscapes and a great Bonneville.This story about the reunion of three elderley ladies,open a world of wonderful experiences of friendshipand ways to revive it.It also outlines the attitude towards life which is more important that the way we normally approach it.Spontaneous love,subcutaneous love and everlasting love...all have been depicted in this fabulous movie.
This ain't no "Faster Pussycat Kill Kill"
rooprect25 December 2011
Road movies with female leads are rarer than I thought. The only ones that come to mind are "Thelma & Louise" (which I never saw) and the 1965 sexploitation flick "Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" (which, despite being a hetero male, I could only take 20 minutes of). "Bonneville" is the only one I've seen all the way through, and it was an enjoyable experience.
The film is very tame by today's standards, and depending on what you're in the mood for, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. It caught me on a day when I was craving a break from the shocking, disturbing, edgy films of late. And if you're in the same mindset, I think you'll like it, too. It reminded me of the kind of film that might have been made in the late 40s, all about good values & morality. The 3 characters are portrayed as being Mormon which accounts for their "old fashioned" customs like not drinking coffee, no swearing, lying or philandering (if that word can be applied to women). But within those confines, we get the story of a bunch of chicks gone wild.
If you like this type of movie, I highly recommend "Ladies in Lavender" (2004) with Judi Dench. Another good one, though touching on a heavy subject (Alzheimer's), is "Away From Her" (2006) with Julie Christie. And for a morbidly good time, check out the classic "Arsenic & Old Lace" (1944). I seem to have a thing for wild & crazy grandmothers.
The film is very tame by today's standards, and depending on what you're in the mood for, that could be a good thing or a bad thing. It caught me on a day when I was craving a break from the shocking, disturbing, edgy films of late. And if you're in the same mindset, I think you'll like it, too. It reminded me of the kind of film that might have been made in the late 40s, all about good values & morality. The 3 characters are portrayed as being Mormon which accounts for their "old fashioned" customs like not drinking coffee, no swearing, lying or philandering (if that word can be applied to women). But within those confines, we get the story of a bunch of chicks gone wild.
If you like this type of movie, I highly recommend "Ladies in Lavender" (2004) with Judi Dench. Another good one, though touching on a heavy subject (Alzheimer's), is "Away From Her" (2006) with Julie Christie. And for a morbidly good time, check out the classic "Arsenic & Old Lace" (1944). I seem to have a thing for wild & crazy grandmothers.
Not Thelma and Louise, but certainly an enjoyable women's road movie
yris200225 March 2012
I have read some negative reviews around this movie, mainly based on a comparison with Thelma and Louise. I consider Ridley Scott's masterpiece one of the best movies ever, certainly the best dealing with women's friendship in the most authentic and sincere way. Bonneville is undoubtedly something different, we have three middle-aged women, we have a road trip, we have almost the same breathtaking scenery, but the whole context and the motivations are totally different, so that I find it totally useless to try make a comparison. The cast remains a talented one, and the only presence of Cathy Bates could not make a movie a bad one, and indeed it is a movie that with no pretension simply tries to reflect upon life, death, relationships, introducing some good entertaining and amusing moments. I have also read about an accusation of being too sentimental, on the contrary I appreciated its sentimental side. We are probably nowadays so used to insensitiveness around us, that whenever a movie with some feelings inside is released it risks an accusation of being a melodrama. This is not the case with Bonneville, it's a decent, pleasant road-comedy , with a good story inside, starring a good and cohesive cast.
pleasant but unoriginal
paleolith30 October 2017
Very little in Bonneville differs from numerous other road-trip movies. I watched it mainly for Joan Allen, and she did not disappoint. The three road-trip ladies were all worth watching, and it was good to see a story where most of the people get along and enjoy it with good humor. There's lots of fantastic Western scenery along the way. The bitter daughter was a major stereotype. All in all, glad I watched it but no desire to see it again.
A Trio of Superb Actresses Try to Keep a "Thelma & Louise & Louise"-Inspired Road Movie Afloat
EUyeshima28 July 2008
Casting three powerhouse actresses of a certain age in a road movie may sound like a promising concept, but I was disappointed by how insular and monotonous the film feels for a shared journey supposedly focused on self-discovery. Director Christopher N. Rowley and screenwriter Daniel D. Davis, both first-timers to feature films, don't really offer the intimidating trio of Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Joan Allen much to work with in terms of character or story development, and were it not for the three actresses, this little-seen 2008 movie would have surely ended up on Lifetime TV where it most obviously belongs.
The plot focuses mainly on Arvilla Holden, who just lost Joe, her husband of twenty years while on vacation in Borneo. Back home in Pocatello, Idaho, it doesn't take long for her resentful stepdaughter Francine to stake a claim on her father's ashes to transport them back for a funeral service the following week in Santa Barbara where she lives. Arvilla, however, promised Joe to scatter his ashes at various places that meant something to them. Francine threatens to take away Arvilla's house unless she complies. Under emotional duress, Arvilla agrees but only if she can deliver the ashes herself. She then turns to her friends, sassy Margene and uptight Carol for support as they head out on a road trip to California taking Joe's beloved '66 Bonneville convertible. The rest of the movie follows their various adventures, which include picking up a young hitchhiker looking for his birth father, flirting with a smitten truck driver, and making the typical stops one would make west of the Rockies.
With her shopworn beauty compromised a bit by surgery, Lange is still able to convey the tethered fragility of her early-career work in "Frances" and "Tootsie". She inhabits Arvilla with that lost, Blanche DuBois-like quality that fits the character's delusional aspects very well. Bates ("About Schmidt") is in familiar territory as Margene, supplying comic relief and surprising poignancy through her trademark salt-of-the-earth persona. As the hopelessly prim Carol, a devout Mormon, the versatile Allen ("The Bourne Ultimatum", "The Upside of Anger") uses her arsenal of talent to bring life to a relatively cardboard role. Doing a 180-degree turn from her surgically-inclined cougar in "Mamma Mia!", Christine Baranski is saddled with a no-win role as Francine. Tom Skerritt relies on his familiar toothy charm as the truck driver, while Victor Rasuk ("Raising Victor Vargas") appears to be channeling early Brad Pitt as the low-key hitchhiker.
While the various locations - Bryce Canyon, Bonneville Salt Flats, Joshua Tree - are nicely filmed by Jeffrey L. Kimball, those expecting a post-menopausal version of "Thelma and Louise" will likely be disappointed since the film's energy level sputters with every curve of the road, especially as it veers toward a predictably drawn ending. At the same time, when are you likely to see actresses of this caliber share the screen again? The 2008 DVD is short on extras - a standard ten-minute making-of featurette with gushing testimonials by the actresses, several deleted/alternate scenes of varying quality, a one-minute gag reel, and a promotional spot for The Red Hat Society, a social organization for women over fifty.
The plot focuses mainly on Arvilla Holden, who just lost Joe, her husband of twenty years while on vacation in Borneo. Back home in Pocatello, Idaho, it doesn't take long for her resentful stepdaughter Francine to stake a claim on her father's ashes to transport them back for a funeral service the following week in Santa Barbara where she lives. Arvilla, however, promised Joe to scatter his ashes at various places that meant something to them. Francine threatens to take away Arvilla's house unless she complies. Under emotional duress, Arvilla agrees but only if she can deliver the ashes herself. She then turns to her friends, sassy Margene and uptight Carol for support as they head out on a road trip to California taking Joe's beloved '66 Bonneville convertible. The rest of the movie follows their various adventures, which include picking up a young hitchhiker looking for his birth father, flirting with a smitten truck driver, and making the typical stops one would make west of the Rockies.
With her shopworn beauty compromised a bit by surgery, Lange is still able to convey the tethered fragility of her early-career work in "Frances" and "Tootsie". She inhabits Arvilla with that lost, Blanche DuBois-like quality that fits the character's delusional aspects very well. Bates ("About Schmidt") is in familiar territory as Margene, supplying comic relief and surprising poignancy through her trademark salt-of-the-earth persona. As the hopelessly prim Carol, a devout Mormon, the versatile Allen ("The Bourne Ultimatum", "The Upside of Anger") uses her arsenal of talent to bring life to a relatively cardboard role. Doing a 180-degree turn from her surgically-inclined cougar in "Mamma Mia!", Christine Baranski is saddled with a no-win role as Francine. Tom Skerritt relies on his familiar toothy charm as the truck driver, while Victor Rasuk ("Raising Victor Vargas") appears to be channeling early Brad Pitt as the low-key hitchhiker.
While the various locations - Bryce Canyon, Bonneville Salt Flats, Joshua Tree - are nicely filmed by Jeffrey L. Kimball, those expecting a post-menopausal version of "Thelma and Louise" will likely be disappointed since the film's energy level sputters with every curve of the road, especially as it veers toward a predictably drawn ending. At the same time, when are you likely to see actresses of this caliber share the screen again? The 2008 DVD is short on extras - a standard ten-minute making-of featurette with gushing testimonials by the actresses, several deleted/alternate scenes of varying quality, a one-minute gag reel, and a promotional spot for The Red Hat Society, a social organization for women over fifty.
Catch the Wind
ferguson-61 March 2008
Greetings again from the darkness. I really don't ask much from a chick flick, but this one delivers NOTHING. The story is based on the writer's (Daniel D Davis, his first screenplay) personal life, which really makes it that much more irritating. Bluntly, this is a BORING and PREDICTABLE story that can't be saved by the terrific cast.
Jessica Lange's husband dies and she battles the nasty step-daughter (Christin Baranski) for the man's ashes and their house. Lange's two friends, wise-cracking Kathy Bates and pent-up Joan Allen, come to her emotional rescue. A road trip in a beautiful Bonneville convertible ensues. Here lies the film's only mystery. How does one create a boring story with a road trip to Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas, Lake Powell, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara and Baja? Yes, there are some beautiful shots of spectacular scenery and the three leads do have a certain connection, but you will know exactly what is going to happen 6 minutes into the film. Pull out your checklist so you can keep score as each of those things occur.
If I sound angry, it's because I am. We constantly hear about the paucity of quality female roles in Hollywood. This one should have had THREE! Instead, give this outline to any 9th grader and they will come up with a more interesting story (or maybe the exact same one).
Tom Skerritt gives another of his patented charming older man performances and we get a quick scene with Tom Wopat ("Dukes of Hazzard") as Joan Allen's husband. It was nice to see Vicor Rasuk ("Victor Vargas") in a couple of scenes ... but even those were choppy and poorly written.
Just to clarify, this movie is not worth seeing and I can only hope that women 50+ who are starved for films about "them" will not be tricked into wasting their money just because it features three talented actresses. Instead, rent "Steel Magnolias", "Fried Green Tomatoes" or "In Her Shoes" ... all monumentally better than "Bonneville" (the film,not the car!!).
Jessica Lange's husband dies and she battles the nasty step-daughter (Christin Baranski) for the man's ashes and their house. Lange's two friends, wise-cracking Kathy Bates and pent-up Joan Allen, come to her emotional rescue. A road trip in a beautiful Bonneville convertible ensues. Here lies the film's only mystery. How does one create a boring story with a road trip to Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas, Lake Powell, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara and Baja? Yes, there are some beautiful shots of spectacular scenery and the three leads do have a certain connection, but you will know exactly what is going to happen 6 minutes into the film. Pull out your checklist so you can keep score as each of those things occur.
If I sound angry, it's because I am. We constantly hear about the paucity of quality female roles in Hollywood. This one should have had THREE! Instead, give this outline to any 9th grader and they will come up with a more interesting story (or maybe the exact same one).
Tom Skerritt gives another of his patented charming older man performances and we get a quick scene with Tom Wopat ("Dukes of Hazzard") as Joan Allen's husband. It was nice to see Vicor Rasuk ("Victor Vargas") in a couple of scenes ... but even those were choppy and poorly written.
Just to clarify, this movie is not worth seeing and I can only hope that women 50+ who are starved for films about "them" will not be tricked into wasting their money just because it features three talented actresses. Instead, rent "Steel Magnolias", "Fried Green Tomatoes" or "In Her Shoes" ... all monumentally better than "Bonneville" (the film,not the car!!).
belly laughs and sweet tears too!
tracyj3219 June 2007
I loved the great relationships in this buddy movie for gals, and wish I could see more movies about real people in dramatic/comedy- so interesting and a great discussion starter too about life, death and what to do with the remains. All the stars give great performances, Jessica Lange is stunning and sweet and really lovely - she makes her character someone you wish you knew! And how to describe Kathy Bates and Joan Allen? Just the best buddies a girl could ever have. The scenery of Utah, Nevada and California is amazing! In fact, for a great scenic movie with gorgeous shots of the surroundings, Bonneville far surpasses " A Year in Provence" that was so hyped last year. Hope everyone gets a chance to see it!
a tragic waste of time and talent
moviefan816929 February 2008
"Bonneville" stars Oscar winners Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and three-time nominee Joan Allen. After losing her husband, Arvilla (Lange) returns home to cremate his body and spread his ashes. These plans are spoiled by his vindictive daughter, Francine (played by Christine Baranski), who has a prior will ordering that her father's ashes be returned home and leaving his house to her. Arvilla's best friends, the wild Margene (Bates) and uptight Carol (Allen) suggest trading his ashes to Francine in order to keep her home. The friends embark on a cross-country road trip in the deceased's '66 Pontiac Bonneville to bring the ashes to Francine.
I had high hopes for this film, expecting nothing less than perfection from a phenomenal cast like this. But sadly, "Bonneville" felt like a post-menopausal "Thelma and Loiuse" rip off to me. I guess it speaks to the fact that Hollywood just isn't producing good roles for female actresses in this age range. This movie was an insult to these legendary ladies by casting them in parts they could have done in their sleep. They deserve better! Despite the best efforts of these veteran actresses, this feature struggled to be entertaining.
The only positive thing I can say about "Bonneville" is that the cinematography was enjoyable as the friends travel through scenic Utah, California, Nevada and Idaho. The score desperately tried to keep the tempo flowing, but this was a long 90 minutes. The gratingly monotonous story and dialogue were predictable, filled with clichés and droll humor. First-time director, Christopher Rowley, and writer, Daniel Davis, disappoint with this failed attempt at a middle-aged female buddy movie.
Bonneville debuted at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, but hasn't been released until now after all the Oscar hopefuls. That says all you need to know about its commercial viability. If you watch the trailer, you'll already know what to expect from this aggravatingly ridiculous film. Simply put, this was a tragic waste of time and talent.
I had high hopes for this film, expecting nothing less than perfection from a phenomenal cast like this. But sadly, "Bonneville" felt like a post-menopausal "Thelma and Loiuse" rip off to me. I guess it speaks to the fact that Hollywood just isn't producing good roles for female actresses in this age range. This movie was an insult to these legendary ladies by casting them in parts they could have done in their sleep. They deserve better! Despite the best efforts of these veteran actresses, this feature struggled to be entertaining.
The only positive thing I can say about "Bonneville" is that the cinematography was enjoyable as the friends travel through scenic Utah, California, Nevada and Idaho. The score desperately tried to keep the tempo flowing, but this was a long 90 minutes. The gratingly monotonous story and dialogue were predictable, filled with clichés and droll humor. First-time director, Christopher Rowley, and writer, Daniel Davis, disappoint with this failed attempt at a middle-aged female buddy movie.
Bonneville debuted at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, but hasn't been released until now after all the Oscar hopefuls. That says all you need to know about its commercial viability. If you watch the trailer, you'll already know what to expect from this aggravatingly ridiculous film. Simply put, this was a tragic waste of time and talent.
A Little Film with Heart: Appreciating Fine Actors
gradyharp3 July 2008
BONNEVILLE creeps up on the viewer. It is a solid marriage of light comedy and sentiment and the somewhat slight story is brought to life by the natural gifts of a trio of superb actors. Why it did not find popularity in the theaters is probably due to the topic of death and the cast of 'older actresses', but it is a solid little film that deserves more attention.
Arvilla (Jessica Lange) has lost her husband of 20 years and promised to scatter his ashes over places the couple loved. Her step daughter Francine (Christine Baranski) demands the 'ashes' be buried next to her mother's grave in Santa Barbara, threatening her stepmother with eviction from her Pocatello, Idaho home if Arvilla doesn't comply. Two of Arvilla's friends - the restless widow Margene (Kathy Bates) and the oh-so-Mormon Carol (Joan Allen) support their friend and plan to fly with Arvilla to take the ashes to Santa Barbara. But circumstances begin to change when the threesome bond tightly and decide to take Arvilla's husband's old Bonneville on a road trip to California. From here on the film is a Road Trip - a time when the three women learn lessons about life and death and love and compassion from each other - and from a young hitchhiker Bo (Victor Rasuk of 'Saving Victor Vargas', 'Stop- Loss' etc) and trucker Emmett (Tom Skirrett). The trip from Idaho to California passes through some of the Southwest's most beautiful scenery, places once shared by Arvilla and her late husband, and slowly the urn of ashes is distributed along the way to the dreaded Santa Barbara funeral.
Christopher N. Rowley directs this sweet story by Daniel D. Davis with great respect for the gifts of the three fine actors, allowing them to show us just why they remain some of our finest talent on the screen. It is not a great film, but it has such a fine heart that we can relax and just ride along with it. Grady Harp
Arvilla (Jessica Lange) has lost her husband of 20 years and promised to scatter his ashes over places the couple loved. Her step daughter Francine (Christine Baranski) demands the 'ashes' be buried next to her mother's grave in Santa Barbara, threatening her stepmother with eviction from her Pocatello, Idaho home if Arvilla doesn't comply. Two of Arvilla's friends - the restless widow Margene (Kathy Bates) and the oh-so-Mormon Carol (Joan Allen) support their friend and plan to fly with Arvilla to take the ashes to Santa Barbara. But circumstances begin to change when the threesome bond tightly and decide to take Arvilla's husband's old Bonneville on a road trip to California. From here on the film is a Road Trip - a time when the three women learn lessons about life and death and love and compassion from each other - and from a young hitchhiker Bo (Victor Rasuk of 'Saving Victor Vargas', 'Stop- Loss' etc) and trucker Emmett (Tom Skirrett). The trip from Idaho to California passes through some of the Southwest's most beautiful scenery, places once shared by Arvilla and her late husband, and slowly the urn of ashes is distributed along the way to the dreaded Santa Barbara funeral.
Christopher N. Rowley directs this sweet story by Daniel D. Davis with great respect for the gifts of the three fine actors, allowing them to show us just why they remain some of our finest talent on the screen. It is not a great film, but it has such a fine heart that we can relax and just ride along with it. Grady Harp
Trite: Tried too hard to be moving; did not succeed
sjb_can14 July 2008
With Lange, Bates and Allen starring in this movie, I was interested enough to keep watching, but there was little chemistry between the three women and poor character development. While mourning the recent loss of a spouse should be difficult, there was something forced and artificial about Lange's character's bereavement. The whole reason for the cross-country drive seemed contrived and foolish. One scene of the women in awe at the beauty of the Grand Canyon was so over-done, I groaned. Their adventures were silly, predictable and ungrounded in any meaning. Except for the salt flats, the scenery was right out of Thelma & Louise, which added to the sense of watching a poor imitation. Sometimes I will say that it could have been a good movie if... but in this case, a completely different concept would be required to make this a good movie.
Supremely Disappointing
callapj26 February 2008
Three of the four leads have strong theatre backgrounds (Jessica Lange has been on stage, but not to the extent of the other actors), all have extensive movie and TV backgrounds, and all four were hung out to dry with a wretched script and inept direction. No surprises in the script - one knew where and how it was going after the first five minutes. The actors were reduced to playing one dimensional characters with no assistance or inventiveness from the director. I live in hope that when the actors signed on, it was done mainly to have the chance to work together and the expectancy that they could bring depth to a shallow work. No such luck. Hope the paycheck was good. For the audience, it was a loooooooong 90 minutes.
Horrible waste of talent
tcher491 August 2008
Bonneville is a buddy film about three Mormon women on a quest to return the ashes of Lange's husband to his greedy daughter. Lange, Bates, Allen, Baranski, and Skerrit are wasted in this awful film. The acting veers between mind-numbing and melodramatic. The film is predictable and boring. I am appalled at the overwhelmingly positive reviews on this site...anyone who has a healthy respect for talent could not find this film at all "wonderful". The acting was wooden, the plot predictable, and I can imagine the actors sitting around after shooting asking one another "how did we get into this mess?". What a waste.
It's a great ride
ClaytonDavis12 August 2006
Bonneville The new film from unknown director is from Christopher N. Rowley and stars Academy Award winners Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and three time nominee Joan Allen. This is the story of three extraordinary women who go on a road trip to bring one of their dead husband's ashes to his spiteful daughter from his previous marriage.
Our film opens up with the introduction of our main character Arvilla who is played marvelously by Jessica Lange whom shows the audience that she still has it in her to be an acclaimed performer. After losing her husband, Joe, while on a vacation, she returns home to cremate her husband and to spread his ashes when his daughter Francine (played by Christine Baranski known for her roles in Chicago and Cruel Intentions) has a will from years prior and orders that his ashes be returned home with her. After Arvilla claims that her will is out of date and he had made a new one she searches all over her house and comes up empty. In Francine's will he leaves his house that Arvilla and Joe lived in to her daughter and Francine is willing to trade her father's ashes in order for Arvilla to stay in the house.
Enters her two best friends; rebellious party animal, Margene (Kathy Bates) and goody prude Carol (Joan Allen) give their two sense and suggest maybe it's better to give the ashes to his daughter in order to keep her home. Arvilla has a week to return the ashes to Francine and here starts our adventure. She decides to fly out along with her friends and half way to the airport in Joe's 66' Pontiac Bonneville makes a decision to drive from her small town in Idaho to a cross country adventure.
These three women are a true delight and a testament to what love, friendship and faith are all suppose to be. This is truly a film for an older crowd of people but as young man myself, I secretly wished for a happy life to come like the one's of these women. It's an uplifting feel which brings a concentrated confidence for all people. With a breakout performance coming from a young Victor Rasuk as Bo, the film plows down the walls of vanity and brings in the sense of adoration and tenderness.
Oscar prospects go for all three women with Jessica Lange going lead and Allen and Bates for supporting. But I have to say that it's Kathy Bates who is the standout of the women and completely steals each scene she speaks in. She'll bring you to tears from her speeches about life to her wishes about death, you can't leave that theater without holding her in your heart. Allen is also great and we all know she is long overdue for her Oscar and we cannot wait for her to make it to a podium soon.
The film is a "Grumpy Old Men" meets "Boys on the Side" with a powerful touch and courageous feeling. The film will likely not hit big the awards contention but could snap and go as awards season approaches. It's playing in Toronto as a gala and could be word of mouth hit.
Grade: ***/****
Our film opens up with the introduction of our main character Arvilla who is played marvelously by Jessica Lange whom shows the audience that she still has it in her to be an acclaimed performer. After losing her husband, Joe, while on a vacation, she returns home to cremate her husband and to spread his ashes when his daughter Francine (played by Christine Baranski known for her roles in Chicago and Cruel Intentions) has a will from years prior and orders that his ashes be returned home with her. After Arvilla claims that her will is out of date and he had made a new one she searches all over her house and comes up empty. In Francine's will he leaves his house that Arvilla and Joe lived in to her daughter and Francine is willing to trade her father's ashes in order for Arvilla to stay in the house.
Enters her two best friends; rebellious party animal, Margene (Kathy Bates) and goody prude Carol (Joan Allen) give their two sense and suggest maybe it's better to give the ashes to his daughter in order to keep her home. Arvilla has a week to return the ashes to Francine and here starts our adventure. She decides to fly out along with her friends and half way to the airport in Joe's 66' Pontiac Bonneville makes a decision to drive from her small town in Idaho to a cross country adventure.
These three women are a true delight and a testament to what love, friendship and faith are all suppose to be. This is truly a film for an older crowd of people but as young man myself, I secretly wished for a happy life to come like the one's of these women. It's an uplifting feel which brings a concentrated confidence for all people. With a breakout performance coming from a young Victor Rasuk as Bo, the film plows down the walls of vanity and brings in the sense of adoration and tenderness.
Oscar prospects go for all three women with Jessica Lange going lead and Allen and Bates for supporting. But I have to say that it's Kathy Bates who is the standout of the women and completely steals each scene she speaks in. She'll bring you to tears from her speeches about life to her wishes about death, you can't leave that theater without holding her in your heart. Allen is also great and we all know she is long overdue for her Oscar and we cannot wait for her to make it to a podium soon.
The film is a "Grumpy Old Men" meets "Boys on the Side" with a powerful touch and courageous feeling. The film will likely not hit big the awards contention but could snap and go as awards season approaches. It's playing in Toronto as a gala and could be word of mouth hit.
Grade: ***/****
Yawn..are we there yet?
tleeg18 October 2015
Well, there's an all star cast. That's a plus. Its 93 minutes- another plus. I had to watch viewing in thirds; it was so boring. As a rule I like movies that are supposed to make you think. All I could think was "Quit sticking your hands into his ashes!!" And what the heck has Jessica Lange done to her eyes?!!!? Scary! Every line was predictable; Arvillas hand was in that container like it was a cookie jar; I half expected her to have cookies in there, with her husbands ashes. Tom Skerrit had a lame role. This is NO Steel Magnolias folks! Now granted I've not seen the ending yet- I've just seen the second 30 minute installment, because I have to take a nap its so boring. Its a good thing I bought it at a dollar store for four bucks- I'd like to have three bucks back. Of course you can buy it just to figure out what Jessica has done to her eyes, each time she runs her hands through her husbands remains- gag....even Kathy Bates lines are mediocre... After my nap, I'll try to finish the last 30 minutes...yawn...
Great light hearted enjoyable film
Pipukwes10 March 2008
Bonneville is a movie that is more like what Hollywood used to make for films. A movie with a real believable story and not all a bunch of digitized magic. Finally a movie where the actors can act like real people we can all relate to in our own lives.
Lange,Bates and Allan did a wonderful job of portraying three Mormon friends rebelling against her step daughters wishes to fulfill her late husbands desires. A wonderful film with feeling and happiness. Should be more like this..
Christopher Rowley did a wonderful job of directing this cast in a heart felt film. Drop of Water productions should go along way in the future.
Lange,Bates and Allan did a wonderful job of portraying three Mormon friends rebelling against her step daughters wishes to fulfill her late husbands desires. A wonderful film with feeling and happiness. Should be more like this..
Christopher Rowley did a wonderful job of directing this cast in a heart felt film. Drop of Water productions should go along way in the future.
Gal pals on a road trip.
michaelRokeefe19 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Comedic drama about three close friends on a road trip. Arvilla's(Jessica Lange)husband Joe dies and she is forced to bring his ashes to a funeral in Santa Barbara arranged by his daughter Francine(Christine Baranski). Arvilla's two friends Margene(Kathy Bates)and Carol(Joan Allen)go along for the ride in Joe's Bonneville. A few stops are made along the way as Arvilla leaves some of her husband's ashes. She describes Joe as a man of the world and his ashes should be spread about instead of being buried next to his previous wife. Along the way Margene is smitten with a big rig driver Emmett(Tom Skerritt). Carole, the prime and proper Morman, learns to gamble and drink in Las Vegas.
Some real beautiful scenery. Some silly situations, but I think this flick was way too long. Bates is actually a hoot; while Lange is just pathetic. Also in the cast are Victor Rasuk and Tom Wopat. No THELMA and LOUISE here, sorry.
Some real beautiful scenery. Some silly situations, but I think this flick was way too long. Bates is actually a hoot; while Lange is just pathetic. Also in the cast are Victor Rasuk and Tom Wopat. No THELMA and LOUISE here, sorry.
Just Another Stranger In A Truck!
ehrldawg29 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I was eatin some chow at a hole in the wall,mom and pop truck stop somewhere in Utah. When a gear jammer came in and said,"See that ragtop with those lovely ladies in it?" We all jumped up to take a look. "I have a date with them in Vegas on Thursday",he continued. "Do you need some help there driver?" I asked. "There all mine",he replied. "You dawg you",I replied as I howled.
Tom Skerritt drives the Peterbuilt 18 wheeler.
Tom Skerritt is a permanent A list actor.
Kathy Bates,Jessica Lange,Joan Allen, and Christine Baranski are hot!!
---One Truck Drivers Opinion----
erldwgstruckermovies.com
Tom Skerritt drives the Peterbuilt 18 wheeler.
Tom Skerritt is a permanent A list actor.
Kathy Bates,Jessica Lange,Joan Allen, and Christine Baranski are hot!!
---One Truck Drivers Opinion----
erldwgstruckermovies.com
Yes!! A Movie for Me
eliflores11129 February 2008
I have to write about Bonneville in light of the user comment by some of these other users and critics.. I am sick of reading negative or poor reviews from films from all of these sour men. I read a few sub par reviews and thought to myself, Bonneville can't be that boring and it wasn't. I was happy to see a film that fits an older demographic. I went with my grandmother and it has been about 10 years since she has gone to the movies, she was pleased there was something out there she could relate to and not be offended by everything that is on the screen, without giving away much about the film, it was a warm film that highlighted 3 relationships and went through feelings that affect many woman as they reach older age. Worth the ticket, movies like this don't come around every year... all these old men get off these boards and out of the papers and get a life, take films for what they are and why they are made, don't be a hater just because you are sitting at your desk writing about 3 awesome woman.
Very professionally done - but never quite transcends gal pal road trip cliche
av_m25 May 2022
This has a blockbuster cast - Jessica Lange plays her role w. A dreamy haunting beauty and the supporting cast are all tried and true troopers - and the production was top dollar ..
buuuuttt ... truth is, the whole thing never really escapes the gal pal road trip genre box - no shocking Thelma & Louise memorable twists ...
So it kind of floats along within its limitations in all its big cast, big budget glory and is not a bad watch - just not a great one.
buuuuttt ... truth is, the whole thing never really escapes the gal pal road trip genre box - no shocking Thelma & Louise memorable twists ...
So it kind of floats along within its limitations in all its big cast, big budget glory and is not a bad watch - just not a great one.
This is a real treat a movie composed of all the essential ingredients. I gave it a 10.
ylarge8 March 2008
This was the funniest movie I have seen in a very long time. I went to the movies with a group of friends and we all agreed, why can't there be more of these kind of movies? We experienced some sadness and a roller coaster of emotions. Many of them included truly funny, funny comedy. The actors and actress' were casted so well. Kathy Bates is hysterical. I really can't believe anyone could see this and not give it a thumbs up. Bring it on..... more good movies like this one! The scenery was certainly a big plus for this movie also. If you want a short trip across our great country and to be entertained while watching it, go see Bonneville, if in fact, they allow it to be shown at the movies. We saw no sex and no murders, hope that does not disqualify this as a winning movie.
Kudos to the cast
marth_duncan-126 February 2008
I watched Bonneville this past week at a screener in New York and this film motivated me to get out there and try and spread the good word and the great feelings of friendship and commitment to your friends. I also give a lot of credit to the producers of the film for bringing such a stellar cast together for a common cause. Kathy Bates doesn't disappoint and she plays a great supporting cast for Jessica Lange. Joan Allen rides in the back seat and she provides a good balance of Bates and Lange as they take the Road Trip through some awesome scenery that is filled with a lot of turns and wonderful moments along the way. I will be looking for the film to come out wide so I can take my Mom and my Aunt out to see this film.
Best Movie I've Seen in a LONG LONG Time!
lwillard4127 February 2008
Why aren't there more movies like BONNEVILLE?! We attended a sneak preview this Monday and couldn't believe we'd stumbled upon 90 minutes of such thoughtful and entertaining enjoyment! My friends and I couldn't stop talking about how we can really identify with these folks, we could BE living in this movie ourselves, and that's why we feel so good after we've seen it. The plot twists and turns in Bonneville are the best part of a fantastic movie: with the road trip metaphor bringing us eye-blink gorgeous scenery around each and every turn in the road, the ups and downs of their relationship make us blink and THINK "what would I do"!
Great Film for Family viewing
tsmepajor28 July 2007
Film shows extraordinary friendship between ordinary people in trying circumstances. The witty remarks in this film during personal hardships adds the humor needed to get through life's circumstances. The three main cast members compliment each other throughout the movie. The supporting cast adds another dimension to the superb three leading actors. Great scenery accentuate the thought process from scene to scene. Music also helps the tempo of the movie. Costumes were very good. Acting was genuine and the actor's subtle remarks shows individual character as well as their great acting ability. I thought the idea of the telephone was very cleaver and can possibly start a new trend for phones.
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