While I found this movie mildly distracting from the sad remembrances of 9/11, I found it quite astounding that "grandpa" garrison referred to grandma as just another "hole" and he was really in "love" with Mary Linson. Yet, when he travels across the country to finally see his lost love, she doesn,t remember him - at all! He is devastated and we are supposed to understand his pain and feel his angst. Uh, no, how do you like being diminished and marginalized. To Mary, you were just another body part to satisfy her one night, just a notch on her bedpost. Aaahhh, life,s a b*tch that way, isn,t it?!
15 Reviews
This is a getaway, not a vacation
TheLittleSongbird30 October 2019
There are examples of entertaining road movies out there, the balancing of comedy and heart can be hard and meandering is a danger but with a mix of funny and emotional moments, characters worth caring for and a good cast they can work. The trailer did seem sort of amusing, though predictability was a worry. And such a great actor like Jeremy Irons, who also produced, is reason enough to see any film or project regardless of how the overall product turns out.
Do think that it is better than the not so good reviews suggest, but am in accordance with the mixed rating here. Being somebody who was very mixed on 'Better Start Running' when seeing it on Prime. Not an awful film, it has its moments and it has good things. Don't think it entirely worked though as for me there were problems with it and quite big ones. 'Better Start Running' did have a lot of good intentions and it is hard to not admire that.
'Better Start Running' is carried by most of the cast. Alex Sharp, though he does overdo the accent, and especially Analeigh Tipton are appealing leads, where one can really see their chemistry, which was very sweet and natural, and care for one another. Edi Gathegi does a nice enough job with what he was given. Although there is no bias intended (he hasn't been exempt from bad performances, 'Dungeons and Dragons' was hamminess taken to a whole new level and he has been deserving of better material for a while now), Irons shines best of all as an old foul-mouthed grump with a heart although he does try too hard with the accent. He is especially good in the outcome of his subplot, his hurt and anger without saying a word being a great representation of what makes him so great an actor.
It's a film that has some amusing moments, sometimes of the dark kind, the best lines coming from Garrison. It is very sweet without falling into mawkishness, like the chemistry between Sharp and Tipton. It is touching at times, like Garrison's subplot, which is the story element with the most depth by far and is actually a bit of a tear-jerker (the scene between Irons and Seymour is beautifully done), and how he takes the disappointment. It does have warmth and could see that it had its heart in the right place. It's nicely and slickly filmed and the scenery is attractive, especially in the closing moments which are quite idyllic. The soundtrack doesn't go over-the-top or sound inappropriate, it is not the kind of soundtrack that sticks in the mind forever but it at least fitted and didn't over-spell out the characters' emotions that much.
Sadly, 'Better Start Running' did have its faults for me. The pace can be rather dull, the early portion of the film (meaning up until the getaway started, so pretty much everything involving Stephanie's workplace) was set up that took far too long to get going, saved from unwatchability by the moments between Harley and Garrison. Actually came close to bailing but never try to do that with films. Luckily it does pick up and is never incoherent but still has meandering moments where there are too many parts that don't go very far. Didn't find myself bored or annoyed by the main characters, although Harley incriminating himself in a phone call was pure stupidity, but the only one of them and of the entire film to have any depth is Garrison.
Jane Seymour is lovely as ever but has far too little to do other than being a cameo plot device in one character's subplot. Worst of all of the cast however are Chad Faust and especially Maria Bello. Faust's sleazeball act is so over-the-top that it is enough to make one not care for how the outcome was going to turn out. Bello plays the most cartoonish FBI agent of any film seen recently in a long time and it gets worse and worse with every minute of her screen time. There are some clumsy moments in the script, not just in the early portions but that scene between Harley and Garrison around two thirds of the way through was a big example of this, for all Irons' very deeply felt and intense acting in that scene one just cannot believe how anybody could speak to their own grandson in that way for no reason. Don't know about anybody else, but the ending felt too pat and abrupt.
In summary, a bit of a mixed bag. 5/10
Do think that it is better than the not so good reviews suggest, but am in accordance with the mixed rating here. Being somebody who was very mixed on 'Better Start Running' when seeing it on Prime. Not an awful film, it has its moments and it has good things. Don't think it entirely worked though as for me there were problems with it and quite big ones. 'Better Start Running' did have a lot of good intentions and it is hard to not admire that.
'Better Start Running' is carried by most of the cast. Alex Sharp, though he does overdo the accent, and especially Analeigh Tipton are appealing leads, where one can really see their chemistry, which was very sweet and natural, and care for one another. Edi Gathegi does a nice enough job with what he was given. Although there is no bias intended (he hasn't been exempt from bad performances, 'Dungeons and Dragons' was hamminess taken to a whole new level and he has been deserving of better material for a while now), Irons shines best of all as an old foul-mouthed grump with a heart although he does try too hard with the accent. He is especially good in the outcome of his subplot, his hurt and anger without saying a word being a great representation of what makes him so great an actor.
It's a film that has some amusing moments, sometimes of the dark kind, the best lines coming from Garrison. It is very sweet without falling into mawkishness, like the chemistry between Sharp and Tipton. It is touching at times, like Garrison's subplot, which is the story element with the most depth by far and is actually a bit of a tear-jerker (the scene between Irons and Seymour is beautifully done), and how he takes the disappointment. It does have warmth and could see that it had its heart in the right place. It's nicely and slickly filmed and the scenery is attractive, especially in the closing moments which are quite idyllic. The soundtrack doesn't go over-the-top or sound inappropriate, it is not the kind of soundtrack that sticks in the mind forever but it at least fitted and didn't over-spell out the characters' emotions that much.
Sadly, 'Better Start Running' did have its faults for me. The pace can be rather dull, the early portion of the film (meaning up until the getaway started, so pretty much everything involving Stephanie's workplace) was set up that took far too long to get going, saved from unwatchability by the moments between Harley and Garrison. Actually came close to bailing but never try to do that with films. Luckily it does pick up and is never incoherent but still has meandering moments where there are too many parts that don't go very far. Didn't find myself bored or annoyed by the main characters, although Harley incriminating himself in a phone call was pure stupidity, but the only one of them and of the entire film to have any depth is Garrison.
Jane Seymour is lovely as ever but has far too little to do other than being a cameo plot device in one character's subplot. Worst of all of the cast however are Chad Faust and especially Maria Bello. Faust's sleazeball act is so over-the-top that it is enough to make one not care for how the outcome was going to turn out. Bello plays the most cartoonish FBI agent of any film seen recently in a long time and it gets worse and worse with every minute of her screen time. There are some clumsy moments in the script, not just in the early portions but that scene between Harley and Garrison around two thirds of the way through was a big example of this, for all Irons' very deeply felt and intense acting in that scene one just cannot believe how anybody could speak to their own grandson in that way for no reason. Don't know about anybody else, but the ending felt too pat and abrupt.
In summary, a bit of a mixed bag. 5/10
Remember the insight and hilarity of "My Name is Earl?"
Angry_Santa16 October 2018
Well, "Better Start Running" has NONE of the positive traits of that brilliantly-conceived series from a decade ago. It's more like "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," but without Bill and Ted, and without adventure, and with absolutely NO excellence.
Utterly woeful script, acting and directing more reminiscent of a high school assignment than the substantially-funded production that it is. Irons and Seymour must really be down on their luck to take parts on in this movie.
Utterly woeful script, acting and directing more reminiscent of a high school assignment than the substantially-funded production that it is. Irons and Seymour must really be down on their luck to take parts on in this movie.
A surprising little quirk fest
natcalgary7 November 2018
I went into this knowing it would a strange with b list actors and a quirky plot. I came out the end enjoying the ride very much. Even my lady who detests movies like this enjoyed it. The story was fun, the actors meshed well and the comedic moments didn't seem forced.
Overall 7.1
Good movie ... with ups and downs but in general it was a nice romantic thrilling road trip with a bit of dark comedy
Aktham_Tashtush14 October 2018
The movie in general was fine mm even though the plot itself is a bit like "seen that before" but still had a lot of new twists and the dark comedy made it look fresh ... what i didn't like is some scenes it gets a bit slow and the character of "Agent McFadden" could have been more involved in the comedy ... which instead ..as i felt ruined the ending a little "no spoilers" .. but it wasn't the totally happy ending i hoped for.
The cast was fine .. i like Analeigh Tipton ,, not the first time she's ever done project like this ,, actually she's had her own career built around rom/com so she did okay in here .. Alex Sharp literally started acting provisionally last year, yet this is his his forth movie and two more are coming out next year ... and that is for a good reason.
Final thought ,, it is not the perfect action/comedy movie you're expecting but it had a lot of action bits and a good amount of still comedy,, so it passes with good 7 stars ;)
The cast was fine .. i like Analeigh Tipton ,, not the first time she's ever done project like this ,, actually she's had her own career built around rom/com so she did okay in here .. Alex Sharp literally started acting provisionally last year, yet this is his his forth movie and two more are coming out next year ... and that is for a good reason.
Final thought ,, it is not the perfect action/comedy movie you're expecting but it had a lot of action bits and a good amount of still comedy,, so it passes with good 7 stars ;)
I couldn't see myself liking this film, but I did.
Top_Dawg_Critic17 October 2018
This film had none of the traits I look for in a film - suspense, thrills, drama, action, fast-pace, etc... or in other words, your typical big budget Hollywood blockbuster. Yet I was still drawn to it for it's complexity of the four very different yet typical, oddball and not really even ordinary people.
The pace was very slow, but the interesting story, spotless directing, decent cinematography, great acting and perfect score were enough to keep me drawn in.
This is clearly a low budget indie film with C and B list actors - the only big name actor being Jeremy Irons (and Jane Seymour in a very small role), but Alex Sharp and especially Analeigh Tipton, were just perfect in portraying their characters in this film, as was Jeremy Irons.
This film is not for everyone (it wasn't for me), but I still enjoyed the romantic and character conflicts. It is heartfelt and heartwarming with some dark humor here and there. Reviewer zoeparry-94573 basically took the words right out of my mouth. I would still recommend it to those who enjoy a film with substance.
A surprisingly well deserved 8/10 from me.
The pace was very slow, but the interesting story, spotless directing, decent cinematography, great acting and perfect score were enough to keep me drawn in.
This is clearly a low budget indie film with C and B list actors - the only big name actor being Jeremy Irons (and Jane Seymour in a very small role), but Alex Sharp and especially Analeigh Tipton, were just perfect in portraying their characters in this film, as was Jeremy Irons.
This film is not for everyone (it wasn't for me), but I still enjoyed the romantic and character conflicts. It is heartfelt and heartwarming with some dark humor here and there. Reviewer zoeparry-94573 basically took the words right out of my mouth. I would still recommend it to those who enjoy a film with substance.
A surprisingly well deserved 8/10 from me.
Sweet
pashiousg8 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
After I saw what happened (managers death) I figured I wouldn't watch anymore, that it'd be too boring but it was so much more. These characters were perfect. Favorite was their dance conversation. He was so sweet to her. These type of men don't exist anymore. Only on screen.
nice example how to make a movie
ops-5253513 October 2018
There has been made lots of roadtrip movies,and this one was just as unremarkable as the others,but it shows how to make a film on low budget,with a good storyline without glitter and glamour.
its about an old disabled army veteran grandfather, his more or less related relative grandson, a totally lost girl with some adhd tendencies,and a young african american straycat that fusions into the group by incident.. there is a kill,so the law and fbi are doing their best to retain the fugitives.
i like the way this film show the rural kind of usa,with dinoparks and other strange features popping up and flashes in your face wereever you are on the road.
good filming and decent story, and a very nice jeremy irons for once.
i think ''the straight story'' was great,and this one is a good addition to the folk-road-trip genre.
Better watch it.
samyaghannaj3 February 2019
Fun movie with my favorite actor Jeremy Irons
franfaz13 September 2019
Jeremy Irons is ALWAYS excellent, no matter what movie/TV show/play he is in.
The rest of the cast is also very good - with the exception of Alex Sharp...he has NO talent whatsoever, is very stiff, his hillbilly accent is ridiculously overdone and he is stupid looking. There are so many other young actors that could have played his part much better and more believably!
That being said, the movie is enjoyable! I purchased the DVD because I have all of Jeremy's films on DVD, plus I enjoy watching movies at home rather than in the expensive theaters where I cannot "pause" when I need to.
If it weren't for the awful Alex Sharp I would have given this film 10 stars instead of 9.
That being said, the movie is enjoyable! I purchased the DVD because I have all of Jeremy's films on DVD, plus I enjoy watching movies at home rather than in the expensive theaters where I cannot "pause" when I need to.
If it weren't for the awful Alex Sharp I would have given this film 10 stars instead of 9.
I Liked It
elektraz17 December 2018
It's a nice road movie, where the characters don't need to talk much about their past for you to have a perfect idea of their needs and despair. It's also beautiful both in scenery and feelings.
Maybe its critics wanted it to be deep enough to drown the viewers in its first 5 minutes or so - it's the only explanation I have for the unjustified low rates.
Super Quirky
THines0127 February 2019
This movie has really likeable characters. Even the antagonists are likeable.
Although unrealistic in its totality, the movie works and keeps the viewer engaged all the way to the end. It has an "indie" vibe all the way through, so expect it and enjoy it.
Better Start Running has flavors from some of my favorite movies like Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine, Moonrise Kingdom, and even Kalifornia. If those are in your list of favorites, don't miss this movie!
Better Start Running has flavors from some of my favorite movies like Napoleon Dynamite, Little Miss Sunshine, Moonrise Kingdom, and even Kalifornia. If those are in your list of favorites, don't miss this movie!
Really nice
windsorenquirer25 October 2018
A Hartfelt Story
puneetgargg12 October 2018
America is a great place for small dreams
soso1234117720 October 2018
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