The Talent Given Us (2004)

A retired New York City couple drive across country to reconnect with their reclusive son, joined by their two unmarried daughters.

Director:

Andrew Wagner

Writer:

Andrew Wagner

Stars:

Allen Wagner, Judy Wagner, Emily Wagner

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Allen Wagner	...	Allen
Judy Wagner	...	Judy
Emily Wagner	...	Emily
Maggie Wagner	...	Maggie
Judy Dixon	...	Bumby
Billy Wirth	...	Billy
Andrew Wagner	...	Andrew
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Robert Adetuyi	...	Insomnia Cafe Friend (as Rob Adetuyi)
Tom Hines	...	Disgruntled Actor
Tony Pepe	...	Doorman
Bret Roberts	...	Healer
Bruce Joel Rubin	...	Meditation Teacher

Storyline

Judy and Allen are 70 years old, retired now, and at that point in their unremarkable marriage and lives that the farthest the day calls them from the crossword puzzle is to the Fairway supermarket. On one such excursion they run into two of their son Andrew's teachers from high school who want Andrew to return to New York to teach at his alma mater. Judy promises to pass the offer along, concealing the disappointment that she rarely speaks to her son. In the day that follows she spirals into a regret which ends in her epiphany to remedy her relationship with him. Immediately. And face-to-face. But since she's terrified of flying they must drive. Across the country to Los Angeles. Along for what began as a casual drive to the beach, Judy and Allen's two unmarried, thirty-something daughters, Emily and Maggie, find themselves roped into this odyssey. Even though Allen doesn't tear up the road, all the family and marital dirt is dug up.

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Plot Keywords:

friend | quick romance | telephone | secret | mysteriousness | 

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Taglines:

A character driven comedy

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

User Reviews

Cross country driving looking for Andy

"The Talent Given Us" is a disarming film done cinema-verite style where the Wagner family is shown candidly as they embark in a voyage of discovery when they travel cross country trying to visit their son Andy, a screen writer living in Los Angeles.

The Wagners are an outspoken New York City family who tell it all to the camera in a disarming way. The patriarch, Allen, is afflicted with an undisclosed neurological illness that has made him weak and must be careful walking, as he might fall easily. Judy, the mother, is a woman full of life, who seems to be a fun person to know because she is a no nonsense woman.

We meet also the two daughters, Maggie and Emily. The funny part of the story is that we see Emily arriving from L.A. at the beginning of the movie. Judy, the concerned mother who has been trying unsuccessfully to contact Andrew, suddenly has the urge to keep going west to see what's wrong with her son. Along the way, we get to know more of the Wagners, as we feel we are in the car with them, going for the ride.

The trip seems to bring the Wagners closer together. Allen and Judy seem to find peace as they start the return journey home. Emily seems also to have encountered harmony and Bumpy, the friend that comes along for the ride, is also more adjusted to accept her life. And Andy? Well, let that be a surprise to you, as it was to us.

This is a charming film made possible by the generous Wagner family.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 June 2004 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,717, 19 June 2005

Gross USA:

$65,827

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$65,827

Company Credits

Production Co:

Daddy W Productions, Noble Media

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color