Leaving Barstow (2008)

Growing up in Barstow, CA, high school senior Andrew hopes for a bigger world -- but his devotion to his mother, Sandra, and his awakening attraction to newcomer Jenny, combine to keep him ... See full summary »

Director:

Peter Paige

Writer:

Kevin Sheridan

Stars:

Michelle Clunie, Kevin Sheridan, Ryan Michelle Bathe

3 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Michelle Clunie	...	Sandra
Kevin Sheridan	...	Andrew
Ryan Michelle Bathe	...	Jenny
Ryan Carnes	...	Cody
Marques Ray	...	Carlos
Steven Culp	...	Mr. Johns
Dale Dickey	...	Linda
Lillian Lehman	...	Lesley
Scott Klace	...	Nathan
Dana Lee	...	Mr. Wang
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Frank Alvarez	...	Pablo
Gary Edward	...	Mr. McClure
Brie Gabrielle	...	Brittany
Brittany Johnson	...	Catholic School Girl
Liz Lueders	...	School Girl

Storyline

Growing up in Barstow, CA, high school senior Andrew hopes for a bigger world -- but his devotion to his mother, Sandra, and his awakening attraction to newcomer Jenny, combine to keep him tied to home. Andrew's loyalties become confused and his prior ambitions begin to fade as he realizes he must make the most difficult of all decisions -- choosing between himself and the people he loves.

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Plot Keywords:

city name in title | place name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2008 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Leaving Barstow Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min 85 min (Newport Beach Festival)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Bittersweet

I really liked this film. It resonates something special and captures the bittersweet side of the soul as we come of age. The music is fitting and touching. I've been through places like Barstow many times and I can relate to the location. Towns like this reek of quiet despair and hollow resignation. A gray, dishwater existence in the midst of flying diesel fumes and choking dust. Most folks passing through fill up with regular, grab a fast food combo and disappear into the desolate sunset, glad to be leaving. This is a town stuck in endless dusk with little hope for daybreak and the director knew precisely how to capture these sentiments. One viewing on IFC and I had to own a copy. Well worth revisiting those shades of misty gray. Hollywood films gives us escapism. Indy films show us what we are escaping from. This is a movie made on a shoestring budget that has true meaning. It's void of Hollywood trappings. Real life told with a heart. A film for your quiet moments.