Leaving Barstow (2008) User Reviews

Bittersweet

[alohahome · 7/10 · 12 August 2010]

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.

As someone who's from Barstow and studied film...

[snoochyboocher · 5/10 · 1 April 2010]

When I had first heard they were making a movie called Leaving Barstow I was intrigued. Then I saw the online trailer and was ready to hate it. Sorry filmmakers, but the trailer is terrible. I decided to check it out on DVD once I found out it was released. I had to get a copy on ebay because none were to be found in Barstow if you can believe it. SO anyway, I watched it last night and must admit it wasn't as bad as I would have imagined, but I still have a few gripes. First of all, there is no book store in Barstow. Hasn't been one in years. People are a little too stupid out here for books. Hell, we're lucky to have a library. Also there is no late night DJ's here. In fact I believe there's only one DJ on all of 4 stations we get. The story was fine but a bit cookie cutter. In fact I think the only reason it was placed in Barstow is because it was two hours away from LA to do some exterior shots. This could have taken place in Iowa, Kansas,etc. It's called Leaving Barstow but aside from some shots of our locations it has no real identity to feel like it took place here. WIth the exception of the one waitress who also used to be in My Name is Earl none of the actors even remotely looked like they could be from Barstow. They were all too pretty and perfect looking. But, to be fair I could say that about many movies. In fact the one girl mentions people missing teeth but there's none to be found in the movie. The actor who plays Andrews teacher was horrible. His outburst in the book store actually made me laugh. Which is a shame because all the other actors did a pretty decent job. I'm not upset that they paint the town in an unpleasant light. I don't care if it's ridiculed, but do it properly. Actually spend some time here and make it authentic instead of the same old stale "I'm stuck in this small town and dream of bigger things" kind of movie. When I was 18 I wanted out of Barstow so bad and did get out to go to film school in LA. So believe me when I say I sympathize with the main character. In fact the only reason I'm back is because a family situation brought me back. I's known as the Barstow curse. You can leave but something will bring you back. Recently my mother passed away so I find myself in the same situation of having to get out again. But a bad economy and few jobs are keeping me here for the time being. But lest you think I completely hate the film I don't. The acting was decent. The cinematography was great, and despite all the things I thought it got wrong it did get a few things right. For instance the Chinese restaurant. While there isn't a Wang's here there is a Canton. The women in the movie look like the one's you'd see there, just without the uniforms. So despite it's many flaws I still think it's worth a watch on a rainy day if there's nothing better on.

Well worth watching

[MtnShelby · 7/10 · 30 April 2014]

I enjoyed this film on many levels. The story really resonates--a decent but unexceptional young man--one who might be described around town as a "good kid"--struggles to come to terms with his small town existence, his loneliness, and his fractured family. There's a lot of humanity in this film, and the characters' stories really resonate. The setting is gritty and realistic, the characters genuine and down to earth, and the tensions between them very authentic. While the ending is predictable,it's a good ending, one which is satisfying without being pat. The actors are well cast and the acting is well done. This is a fine film, highly recommended.

As one who grew up in Barstow....

[sam93505 · 10/10 · 5 December 2009]

As one who grew-up in Barstow from 1971 to 1978, I can totally relate to the movie, it's characters, and plot. I, too, felt trapped in that one horse town, so 2 days after I turned 17, I joined the Navy just to get out of there. Now in days, I live in California City to be near my Mom who somehow still lives there. Every time I see her (about 2 times a month at the minimum) I am amazed how Absolutely NOTHING has changed in that rat town. Same schools, same teachers, same buildings on Main Street, no new houses have been built, etc. Very depressing. However, the most depressing thing was letting my young Canadian wife talk me into attending our Class of 1978 25 year reunion. No surprise here- only about 10 of us made it out of Barstow and are pretty successful for doing so. The remaining 300 plus that stayed, most are in dead in jobs, on welfare, have been married more than 3 times to classmates, and most at the Reunion were either on me th or drunk. Yup, nothing changes in Barstow, and that feeling is well conveyed in this excellent movie! GREAT JOB TO ALL THAT WERE PART OF IT!

Amazing film!

[JiminyCrispies · 8/10 · 1 July 2009]

I came across this movie online so I gave it a shot. And I'm glad I did. I saw it and I was astounded! I couldn't tear myself away from the screen. I was greatly intrigued by the main character. The simpleness of how they present the scene was very enticing for me.

What a brilliant, brilliant film. I love the tone of it. The flow of the story. The characters. And the cinematography! Brilliant people behind the the movie.

The plot is very simple yet profound. It's very relatable. Once or twice in our lives, we were Andrew.

No wonder it came out as a winner on film festivals. Loved the whole movie!

great acting and great story

[abthell · 10/10 · 1 September 2009]

Leaving Barstow was an awesome film. The acting and story was great. The film is well-paced, never drags, and has its characters pegged pretty well. The cast is real and are believable. The film seems very real because 18 is a very difficult age. The main character in the film is faced with the hard choice of staying at home and carrying for his mother or leaving for college. This movie is filled with humor and drama. After what seems like forever, Leaving Barstow is now available to rent and to buy. Netflix, Hollywood Video, and some Blockbusters are carrying the film. I look forward to seeing more movies from Kevin Sheridan.