Review of Running on Empty (1988) by Jeff B — 07 Aug 2011

I didn't really know much about this movie, just that River Phoenix got nominated for it, I even forgot that Sidney Lumet directed it. Well, it's a very well written film that really unfolds nicely.

While Phoenix was indeed very good, I think Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti were my favorites. Though Martha Plimpton did a good job, I didn't really care for her character, she was a bit of a distraction, the same with Hirsch and Lahti's friend who shows up.

I much preferred the relationship between Phoenix and his parents, I would have liked more of that. My favorite scene is probably when Lahti finally meets with her father, it's a wonderfully acted scene.

Despite some of its minor flaws, it's a very good film and I'm glad I finally saw it.