"Adopt a Highway" conveys righteousness in an endearing way. With the help of a heartwarming yet fragmentary tale about an Ex Felon. Who's attempting to reshape his shattered life once again!
The narrative follows an Ex prisoner Russel Earl Millings played by Ethan Hawke who just served a 21 year long sentence and recently got out in Parole. Convicted back in the 90's for possession of drugs, for him; the world has now drastically changed. I love how the writers never preached using him as a victim of the justice system nor did express any apathy. Instead they only showcased their disdain for the unfair sentence given to Russell for such a trifling crime.
Craving for a fresh start, Russell works hard everyday. He's always careful about his comportment and outlook to other people as he's still in parole and yet to procure his full freedom back. He doesn't wanna mess that up! Struggling to cope up with this obscure world where everything feels unfamiliar, a Ray of Hope decides to shine upon Russel. Ella, a little angel who brought hope & a breeze of fresh air into his solitary life. Despite having no prior experience of parenthood, he tries so hard to be one. Although by law, he can't keep an abandoned child legally. He had to give up on her & he loses that spark; the script followed soon.
The first half of the film was a riveting journey and it made me inquisitive to see what happens next.
To my bewilderment, In the second half it succumbed into degradation!
Their intent was naive but the execution faltered on too many facets!
Characterization left a huge void, Screenplay took its predominant pace down, the storytelling got off the track with a too much subtlety. Where it demanded a more straightforward approach. Ethan Hawke is great as always and perhaps the sole reason I sticked through. I feel bitter to see how underutilized he was though. With a criminally underrated actor in your helm; they should have done a lot better!
