Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Christine Lahti | ... | Annie Pope | |
River Phoenix | ... | Danny Pope | |
Judd Hirsch | ... | Arthur Pope | |
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Jonas Abry | ... | Harry Pope |
Martha Plimpton | ... | Lorna Phillips | |
Ed Crowley | ... | Mr. Phillips | |
L.M. Kit Carson | ... | Gus Winant | |
Steven Hill | ... | Donald Patterson | |
Augusta Dabney | ... | Abigail Patterson | |
David Margulies | ... | Dr. Jonah Reiff | |
Lynne Thigpen | ... | Contact at Eldridge St. | |
Marcia Jean Kurtz | ... | School Clerk | |
Sloane Shelton | ... | Mrs. Phillips | |
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Justine Johnston | ... | Librarian |
Herb Lovelle | ... | Hospital Clerk |
The Popes are a family who haven't been able to use their real identity for years. In the late sixties, the parents set a weapons lab afire in an effort to hinder the government's Vietnam war campaign. Ever since then, the Popes have been on the run with the authorities never far behind. Today, their older son wants a life of his own although he is aware that would mean that his parents would either get caught or he will never see them again. Written by Kenneth Chisholm <kchishol@execulink.com>
I have dozens of movies on videotape, but if I could only keep one, Running on Empty would be it. I've lost count how many times I've watched it. It works on every level. Emotionally, you cannot help caring about the characters, all of them. The premise, living "underground" in ordinary American suburbia, is brilliant and instantly engaging. The story, coming of age on the lam, flows effortlessly, with hardly a slow spot, and keeps me engaged, even after umpteen viewings. The romance, of love and loss and dedication, brings a tear every time, even just thinking about the birthday party as I write this.
Plus -- I was a 'red diaper baby' who became a conservative republican 35 years ago, and this film touches every button of my past. A lot of those reds were, in person, truly decent people, just a bit deranged and extremely delusional and dogmatic, all of which Judd Hirsch conveys with perfect pitch. No special FX, pretty tame action (mostly involving music and dancing), only six main characters, but a great entertaining and inspirational film.
Rated 9.9 out of 10, in case something better ever comes along.
P.S. I just got the DVD. Even better than the tape. Elsewhere I have read complaints about its technical quality, but I can see nothing wrong with it.