I wanted to enjoy this film because the idea of walking to the ocean was enticing and I'm an old lady. Unfortunately, other the unlikeable principle characters, the issues which continuity were driving me crazy. Obviously no one on the production staff has ever used a backpack, hiked or camped. I was actually relieved when someone gave her bear spray. I would lay odds that there was no bear proof can far from the campsite. The pack was poorly fit and there was no way, among other things, that big cooking pot would fit. Unfortunately once I started seeing all the mistakes I stopped caring about the characters and the story.
12 Reviews
Decent film ruined by immensely stupid error
shm77725 May 2018
There are a lot of worthwhile elements in this story and it is reasonably well portrayed. The actors do a good job. However, why is it that no one anywhere near the production of this film knew that it is not only completely, hugely stupid to walk with traffic on a road, it is also illegal in many states. Why on Earth would you want to have your back to traffic that is barreling towards you at 50 plus miles per hour, as you walk in the same direction and therefore cannot see what is coming? Why on Earth would you not want to face the traffic, walking against the traffic, so that you can see what is coming and get the hell out of the way if necessary? Astoundingly bad. Hopefully no kids saw this insanity.
Role Model for Loving Parent
GeoPierpont14 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I have travelled and hiked through many of the Redwood Giants forest and must say that is definitely God's Country. Was hoping to see the majestic warriors that protect the skies and was well compensated in many scenes.
My biggest complaint is how horrid this old woman is, was, and perhaps continues to be, but everyone loves her to pieces, even complete strangers! I mean you would not have this kind of luck hiking on a lonely highway for miles if you were mega hot. I am rather confused at how I am supposed to believe that she hasn't hiked all that much in 45 years but eeks out 80 miles in a few days. Good on for her!
The wedding scenes were awesome, the clean, deserted highway a dream, and the independence at that age inspiring. I guess if you truly love your family, go through extreme lengths to care for them, never see anyone make them such a high priority, then I guess you have it coming to you. Hmmmmph!!
High recommend for gorgeous Oregon country and sea side. Campers will cringe at how unprepared this woman is but might reminisce about their joyous moments doing same. Not a good lesson presented here, be selfish, mean, and stubborn and attract the love of the world.
My biggest complaint is how horrid this old woman is, was, and perhaps continues to be, but everyone loves her to pieces, even complete strangers! I mean you would not have this kind of luck hiking on a lonely highway for miles if you were mega hot. I am rather confused at how I am supposed to believe that she hasn't hiked all that much in 45 years but eeks out 80 miles in a few days. Good on for her!
The wedding scenes were awesome, the clean, deserted highway a dream, and the independence at that age inspiring. I guess if you truly love your family, go through extreme lengths to care for them, never see anyone make them such a high priority, then I guess you have it coming to you. Hmmmmph!!
High recommend for gorgeous Oregon country and sea side. Campers will cringe at how unprepared this woman is but might reminisce about their joyous moments doing same. Not a good lesson presented here, be selfish, mean, and stubborn and attract the love of the world.
Nice smaller movie of an aging woman asserting her independence.
TxMike20 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
We found this movie on Netflix streaming movies. Shirley Knight is really good in this role.
She is Marie Vaughn, living in a retirement community in Oregon. She has her wits about her and she usually takes daily walks in the community. She has an overprotective son who worries about her.
Marie has a crisis of sorts when she become very judgemental of the plans her 22-yr-old granddaughter has to marry a man 12 years older. She is certain that she is making a big mistake, she knows she is too young to make a rational decision. As a result she refuses to attend the wedding, to the disappointment of her family.
But Marie has her own memories of being young and in love, and decides on her own, no one else knows, that she will put on her backpack and her hiking shoes and walk to the coast where the outdoor wedding will be held in a few days. On the way she will visit a place that has special meaning for her.
Her hike is not without difficulty, and one person she meets is Tom Skerritt as Pete. While Pete is open and friendly Marie is guarded and hesitant, but it is clear that they make a connection and we think they will probably see each other again.
Nice character study and Knight is just perfect in her role.
She is Marie Vaughn, living in a retirement community in Oregon. She has her wits about her and she usually takes daily walks in the community. She has an overprotective son who worries about her.
Marie has a crisis of sorts when she become very judgemental of the plans her 22-yr-old granddaughter has to marry a man 12 years older. She is certain that she is making a big mistake, she knows she is too young to make a rational decision. As a result she refuses to attend the wedding, to the disappointment of her family.
But Marie has her own memories of being young and in love, and decides on her own, no one else knows, that she will put on her backpack and her hiking shoes and walk to the coast where the outdoor wedding will be held in a few days. On the way she will visit a place that has special meaning for her.
Her hike is not without difficulty, and one person she meets is Tom Skerritt as Pete. While Pete is open and friendly Marie is guarded and hesitant, but it is clear that they make a connection and we think they will probably see each other again.
Nice character study and Knight is just perfect in her role.
Better ending than expected, still highly unlikely
patengel25 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Didn't help that the video, audio, and captioning were all out of sync. Marie's walking on the wrong side of the highway has been mentioned. Another issue is the woman who patches her up after she hits her head and then takes her out drinking. Could have used more back story about why she and her son don't get along. Great scenery, though.
All about a selfish old tramp
rhondasmit13 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I tried to like this movie but it simply wasn't working for me. The main character is completely unlikable, self-absorbed, and ungrateful, yet despite that throughout the movie she is treated like royalty. The supporting cast is like the people from a fashion magazine ad: Glossy but flat.
****SPOILERS****
Just about the only one I liked was Reuben; he wasn't any more believable (why would he be attracted to the young woman whose only remarkable feature was a big nose?), but he had little to say and he really could drum. The story is that of an old woman (Marie) who complains about living in a posh senior facility paid for by her son, and the impending wedding of her granddaughter. Because the old tramp disagrees with the granddaughter about marrying, and because she is a contrary person who needs constant attention, the old woman refuses to attend the ceremony and then takes off on foot to walk there. This hike is the main focus of the movie, but is interwoven with dream sequences that should explain the main character or her motivation but do nothing but alienate me.
Apparently she married a sailor and got pregnant (or vice versa), was widowed shortly thereafter, and then slept around a lot, relying on her non-apparent charms for support. All this and a lot of rain dull even the remarkable scenery and decent photography. On the hike she is helped by a lot of people for no good reason.
Possibly the main helpers are alternate futures she might have had; one a woodworking widower who runs a store (what if her husband had lived?), another a hardworking barkeep who puts up with the annoying woman even when she abuses her dog (what if she had worked for a living?). (If anyone did that to my dog, I would kick them out, not cover them with quilts.) Throughout the movie the main character remains self-absorbed and thinks everyone has to care about her and help her without ever giving anything back. There is no development, no growth. She is a user. In the end she manages to interrupt the wedding she was "boycotting" until she was no longer invited.
Further annoying was that at her age she should have known to walk on the left shoulder of a road with oncoming traffic. Instead she endangers a trucker and others with her carelessness and stays on the right. Then (because in her self-important opinion "cats like her") she antagonizes a lion. She is given a fishing pole, although she clearly has no license, no idea how to fish, or clean one. If a protein meal were needed, give her a pack of jerky or slim jims. Her barfly behavior and drunken exploits show beyond a doubt how she spent her life; why her son is so supporting and concerned about his useless mother that he mobilizes a whole search and rescue operation escapes me. Only once she encounters a dangerous situation; I admit I was hoping that the movie would end there, with her collecting her comeuppance, but no such luck.
This isn't one of those 'feisty senior does things her way' movies that make you cheer on the intrepid heroine.
****SPOILERS****
Just about the only one I liked was Reuben; he wasn't any more believable (why would he be attracted to the young woman whose only remarkable feature was a big nose?), but he had little to say and he really could drum. The story is that of an old woman (Marie) who complains about living in a posh senior facility paid for by her son, and the impending wedding of her granddaughter. Because the old tramp disagrees with the granddaughter about marrying, and because she is a contrary person who needs constant attention, the old woman refuses to attend the ceremony and then takes off on foot to walk there. This hike is the main focus of the movie, but is interwoven with dream sequences that should explain the main character or her motivation but do nothing but alienate me.
Apparently she married a sailor and got pregnant (or vice versa), was widowed shortly thereafter, and then slept around a lot, relying on her non-apparent charms for support. All this and a lot of rain dull even the remarkable scenery and decent photography. On the hike she is helped by a lot of people for no good reason.
Possibly the main helpers are alternate futures she might have had; one a woodworking widower who runs a store (what if her husband had lived?), another a hardworking barkeep who puts up with the annoying woman even when she abuses her dog (what if she had worked for a living?). (If anyone did that to my dog, I would kick them out, not cover them with quilts.) Throughout the movie the main character remains self-absorbed and thinks everyone has to care about her and help her without ever giving anything back. There is no development, no growth. She is a user. In the end she manages to interrupt the wedding she was "boycotting" until she was no longer invited.
Further annoying was that at her age she should have known to walk on the left shoulder of a road with oncoming traffic. Instead she endangers a trucker and others with her carelessness and stays on the right. Then (because in her self-important opinion "cats like her") she antagonizes a lion. She is given a fishing pole, although she clearly has no license, no idea how to fish, or clean one. If a protein meal were needed, give her a pack of jerky or slim jims. Her barfly behavior and drunken exploits show beyond a doubt how she spent her life; why her son is so supporting and concerned about his useless mother that he mobilizes a whole search and rescue operation escapes me. Only once she encounters a dangerous situation; I admit I was hoping that the movie would end there, with her collecting her comeuppance, but no such luck.
This isn't one of those 'feisty senior does things her way' movies that make you cheer on the intrepid heroine.
A touching and warm film that is well worth watching
geek_tom10 August 2014
Redwood Highway is a gem amongst the crass and loud movies of the multiplex.
Filled with "real" people, and real emotions, this film takes you on a simple but profound journey that everyone who has a family can relate to.
Shirley Knight is perfect in this role, playing her character's mix of stubbornness and drive in a way that ultimately makes you understand her on multiple levels. None of us are simple creatures, and the writers of this film did an excellent job of portraying the many facets we all have.
It was great to see Tom Skerrit in a significant role- he has always been a favorite of mine.
I would like to add that the film is beautifully shot as well. I have never been to Oregon, but the film makes it look simply breathtaking. I also found the dream/flashback sequences to be exceptionally well done; adding to the emotional weight of the story, without every distracting from it.
Overall, if you enjoy a rich and rewarding story, filled with people you can relate to and care for, I can't recommend this movie enough. Enjoy!
Filled with "real" people, and real emotions, this film takes you on a simple but profound journey that everyone who has a family can relate to.
Shirley Knight is perfect in this role, playing her character's mix of stubbornness and drive in a way that ultimately makes you understand her on multiple levels. None of us are simple creatures, and the writers of this film did an excellent job of portraying the many facets we all have.
It was great to see Tom Skerrit in a significant role- he has always been a favorite of mine.
I would like to add that the film is beautifully shot as well. I have never been to Oregon, but the film makes it look simply breathtaking. I also found the dream/flashback sequences to be exceptionally well done; adding to the emotional weight of the story, without every distracting from it.
Overall, if you enjoy a rich and rewarding story, filled with people you can relate to and care for, I can't recommend this movie enough. Enjoy!
I wanted to like this film.
gnatsong27 May 2021
But it was awful. The character of the son was particularly shallow, but others also contributed to this hot hokey mess. There could have been a story here, but apparently the job of writing a coherent script fell to a totally incompetent wannabe. I actually watched the whole thing, curious, hoping it would get better. It didn't.
Simple and enjoyable.
planktonrules3 July 2014
While I wouldn't necessarily say you should rush out to see it, I did enjoy seeing Redwood Highway and think it's worth your time. It's just come out on DVD and I got my copy through Netflix. It's not the sort of film that has huge box office appeal, but it is very enjoyable and reminds me of one of my favorite Best Picture nominees last year, Nebraska.
Shirley Knight is not a household name, but Miss Knight is a very familiar face. Additionally, she's been nominated for a lot of awards-- including twice for the Oscar. Here, she plays Marie Vaughn--an elderly woman who is incredibly hard-headed and who is refusing to retire gracefully. She also is a pain for her family, as her independence and strong opinions make her very difficult to say the least.
When the film begins, Marie is living (quite against her will) in a retirement home when she receives a visit from her son. He invites her to her granddaughter's wedding and pig-headed Marie refuses to come-- mostly just to be ornery. She says that 22 is just too young to marry and she doesn't approve. However, after the granddaughter calls Marie and leaves her a very angry message, Marie has a change of heart. Well, it's not a complete change of heart--she will go to the wedding but on her terms. As for her terms, the nutty lady decides, without telling anyone, that she'll walk to the wedding and take a side trip to the sea shore! It's many miles and Marie isn't exactly a young girl--and the trip just seems ill-advised to say the least.
What follows is a low-key but interesting adventure--much like The Straight Story or Nebraska. Nothing exactly earth-shattering occurs but Marie meets up with a variety of mostly nice people who help her on her trek. Mind you--Marie WON'T let anyone drive her to the wedding--this must be on her terms! Will she make it and what could possibly go wrong?
I liked this film though I will quickly admit that it's not exactly the sort of film the average movie-goer would watch. There are no explosions, no insane plot twists nor any love interest. It's just a nice slice of life sort of a film where you meet a lot of interesting characters. I love this sort of 'little movie'--the type that just doesn't seem to care if it's a blockbuster or not--it just wants to entertain. And, entertaining this film certainly is.
Shirley Knight is not a household name, but Miss Knight is a very familiar face. Additionally, she's been nominated for a lot of awards-- including twice for the Oscar. Here, she plays Marie Vaughn--an elderly woman who is incredibly hard-headed and who is refusing to retire gracefully. She also is a pain for her family, as her independence and strong opinions make her very difficult to say the least.
When the film begins, Marie is living (quite against her will) in a retirement home when she receives a visit from her son. He invites her to her granddaughter's wedding and pig-headed Marie refuses to come-- mostly just to be ornery. She says that 22 is just too young to marry and she doesn't approve. However, after the granddaughter calls Marie and leaves her a very angry message, Marie has a change of heart. Well, it's not a complete change of heart--she will go to the wedding but on her terms. As for her terms, the nutty lady decides, without telling anyone, that she'll walk to the wedding and take a side trip to the sea shore! It's many miles and Marie isn't exactly a young girl--and the trip just seems ill-advised to say the least.
What follows is a low-key but interesting adventure--much like The Straight Story or Nebraska. Nothing exactly earth-shattering occurs but Marie meets up with a variety of mostly nice people who help her on her trek. Mind you--Marie WON'T let anyone drive her to the wedding--this must be on her terms! Will she make it and what could possibly go wrong?
I liked this film though I will quickly admit that it's not exactly the sort of film the average movie-goer would watch. There are no explosions, no insane plot twists nor any love interest. It's just a nice slice of life sort of a film where you meet a lot of interesting characters. I love this sort of 'little movie'--the type that just doesn't seem to care if it's a blockbuster or not--it just wants to entertain. And, entertaining this film certainly is.
Adequate, slow, small film
grnhair200122 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is a nice enough film, where we follow an older woman as she walks a couple hundred miles to get to her granddaughter's wedding. She is a cantankerous old woman, and while I have an affection for cantankerous old women, I think the filmmakers made her too horrible at first. Only someone who had never seen a movie before wouldn't have anticipated that she would grow along her journey, and come out at the end a better person. But even knowing that was going to happen, I thought she was terribly rude at first. When people go out of their way to help her, initially she doesn't even say "thank you." Nor do the road-trip vignettes explain exactly why she goes through this growth and has her inevitable epiphany.
The acting seems good to me. And it's nice to show stories about realistic older people. There is nothing terribly wrong with this movie, but there wasn't enough right with it for me to recommend it enthusiastically to anybody.
The acting seems good to me. And it's nice to show stories about realistic older people. There is nothing terribly wrong with this movie, but there wasn't enough right with it for me to recommend it enthusiastically to anybody.
Outstanding
ruthie613 May 2014
Excellent and moving movie! Loved it. It is about courage and facing our demons! If you are a Golden Indigo, you will 'Get' this movie! At the start of the film, which was written by Gary Lundgren and James Twyman and directed by Lundgren, Marie (Knight) is living in a seemingly comfortable retirement home in Oregon. But she's not a happy camper. Her son, Michael (James Le Gros), placed her there against her will, and although she's sociable, she's clearly sharper and more vigorous than many of the other residents. When Michael comes for a visit, he wants to make plans to take her to his daughter's wedding. Marie claims to disapprove of her granddaughter's fiancé — a drummer in a band — but she's also disgruntled by the family's treatment of her and she declines the wedding invitation. Marie then begins to have second thoughts, but she's a proud woman, and decides to make the 80-mile journey to the coast on her own.
Family dynamics and feisty Grandma
kwilson-4088817 January 2023
I've watched this many times. Grandma wants to stay independent and active, and her son wants her to be careful and cautious, and that's just not her. She wants to do whatever she wants, but, interestingly, she wants to influence her granddaughter into not doing what she wants. And anybody who's ever known a 22 year old, that ain't gonna work. Grandma decides she's going to walk to the wedding. It's a long walk. It's 80 miles. The bulk of the movie is her journey, the people she meets, the people that help her, and her physical limitations that we all face eventually. Shirley Knight does a good job.
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