Forever Lulu (2000)

A schizophrenic romantic tracks down her college sweetheart to help her find their son she gave up for adoption sixteen years ago to the dismay of his new wife.

Director:

John Kaye

Writer:

John Kaye

Stars:

Melanie Griffith, Patrick Swayze, Penelope Ann Miller

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Melanie Griffith	...	Lulu McAfee
Penelope Ann Miller	...	Claire Clifton
Patrick Swayze	...	Ben Clifton
Richard Schiff	...	Jerome Ellsworth
Annie Corley	...	Millie Ellsworth
Lee Garlington	...	Linda Davis
Michael J. Pollard	...	Hippie
Ryan Bollman	...	Freddie
Matthew Fairchild	...	Man in Audience
Elisa Goodman	...	Woman in Audience
Greg Lipari	...	Book Seller
Nick Offerman	...	Man - Boardner's
Daniel Nathan Spector	...	Clark
Gabrielle Ashry	...	Hostess - Helena's
David Duran	...	Bar Tender - Helena's

Storyline

Lulu McAfee lives in a San Francisco home for mentally-ill adults. In June 1999, she bolts for Los Angeles and contacts Ben Clifton, an old flame, now unhappily writing for television and unhappily married to a psychiatrist, Claire. Ben is ready to call Lulu's doctor when she tells him they have a son, born after she became ill and their affair ended. He calls Claire to tell her he's driving Lulu to Wisconsin to meet the boy on his sixteenth birthday, a visit Lulu claims is arranged. On the drive, Lulu tries to rekindle the affair and restart Ben's idealism. Meanwhile, Claire boards a plane to Madison to watch her marriage collapse. Is there really a son? What emotional landmines will the trip set off?

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Plot Keywords:

schizophrenic | confronting the past | personal growth | first love | grief | 

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Taglines:

Two Ex-Lovers. One Open Road.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, brief nudity and a scene of disturbing images

Details

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Along for the Ride

Filming Locations:

Palmdale, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinelulu Internationale Filmproduktiongesellshaft mbH and Co. 1 Beteilegung KG,Cinerenta Medienbeteiligungs KG,Green Moon Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie's alternate name is: "Along for the Ride".

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Goofs

When Lulu is lying in bed being questioned about her medication, she lights a cigarette. She takes it from her mouth in her left hand but in the next shot it is in her right hand as she ruffles her hair. The cigarette is in her hand with her arms crossed over her head but in the cut back to the shot of Ben as he talks she has taken a puff even though no time has passed for her to do so.

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Connections

References ER (1994)

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Soundtracks

Ghost Town
Written and performed by Jo Davidson

User Reviews

An Amazing and Lovely Film!

First, I just want to say what a marvelous job Melanie Griffith did in this movie! She lit up the screen. Like the other reviewer said, she has been in a string of great performances. Lolita, Another day in paradise, Crazy in Alabama, RKO 281, Cecil B. Demented, and now this. I'm so happy for Melanie that she has found the right roles and that she has her life on track.

The story was great and it sort of reminded me of the old romance movies. Everything is subtle with just a twinge of romance. The ending will leave a smile on your face! Its just disappointing that it wasn't in theaters, but then again, the American public can't decide what is good, classy entertainment. Instead, we have garbage like Scary Movie and Nutty Professor 2 invading cinemas and making millions. Kudos to the cast, the director, and mostly Melanie. This is a keeper!