Review of Gas Food Lodging (1992) by Nicki M — 11 Jun 2011

This is an old favourite of mine. I upgraded from VHS to DVD quite some time ago, but never quite got around to rewatching it until now. What can I say? This is one of those rare movies that I think I enjoyed more over time rather than think it is not as good, or like it as a nostalgia piece.

This is for sure one of Fairuza Balk's best roles - she is an actress I think could have gone a long way, I am surprised she wasn't more successful. She is perfect here as Shade, living in a caravan park with her mother and her troubled older sister, Trudi (Ione Skye - also a good role for her).

I think the good thing about rewatching it now is that I can identify now with all three of the women, rather than just the daughters. These are very well written women characters, and this film has a lot of depth.

Donovan Leitch is also excellent here as Darius, and also the guy who plays Javier (I am unsure who he is). The rest of the men don't fare so well here, but this really is a movie for and about woman. Highly recommend it and have changed my original score of 4 to 5!