Falling from Grace

Falling From Grace (1992)

*** (out of 4)

Rocker John Mellencamp made his directorial debut here in this laid back but to the point family drama. In the film Mellencamp plays a man who left his small town to become a rock star and millionaire. He marries a L.A. woman (Mariel Hemingway) but when he goes back to his small Indiana town he gets caught up in his families drama as well as starts an affair with his old love who just happens to be married to his brother as well as having an affair with his father. I love the music of Mellencamp and was even lucky enough to meet him one day but I really wasn't expecting too much out of this film. As it started off I was a bit worried that we've seen this story countless times before and we have but the film kept growing on me to the point where I really enjoyed it. Mellencamp does a good job at playing himself, the laid back, rebel rocker we've all seen on TV. The supporting cast is very good as well and they help pull off the familiar storyline. Mellencamp's direction is also pretty good as he seems right at home shooting this in the hometown he grew up. He also adds one song to the soundtrack, which was very good. If you're a fan of Mellencamp then you'll probably enjoy this more than others.