Welcome to America: 50 States 50 Days

Welcome to America: 50 Days, 50 States

Directors Rodney and Roger Johnson's unique documentary, Welcome to America, is unlike any I can recall seeing in recent memory and I've seen many. What the directing duo-also twin brothers- have done is to take a subject that, on paper, sounds like a cinematic dead end and done something unique with it. Through the use of clever editing, they have transformed the documentary road film into something that is funny, informative, and, most importantly, never boring. There's even drama when the film's on screen travel guide duo (Roger Johnson, Haley Chamberlain) run into problems, both mechanical and otherwise. The film zips along at a tremendous pace and you find yourself rooting for the on screen travel guides to reach their stated goal of 50 states in 50 days when, at times, things look doubtful. The film made put me in mind of a cinematic equivalent to the little train that could. The film charts Roger and Haley's trek, which began on May 16, 2007. Roger, who gives himself the moniker of self proclaimed sign photography expert, and his travel partner Haley Chamberlain, start their journey in New York City. Through the course of the film, the duo drive an eventual 15,000 miles, ending their journey on July 4th. I won't go any further as I wouldn't want to reveal the outcome but Roger and Haley prove one thing. The journey can certainly be as much fun as the destination.

Adam Long Focus Newspaper - Hickory, NC.