Review of Running on Empty (2010) by Stephen H — 20 Feb 2012
Story of the son (River Phoenix) of a pair of 60's radicals (Judd Hirsch, Christine Lahti) who are on the run for their involvement in an anti-war bombing. The family takes on a series of assumed names, and moves often to avoid being being caught by the FBI. Problems arise when their son wants to go to college and falls in love, forcing him to make a very difficult choice. While their son hasn't broken any laws if he were to go to college, it would be necessary to explain his records and he would have to leave the family and risk never seeing them again.
The film presents an interesting story about values, beliefs, the importance of family and about making your own choices, with some very strong performances. It offers a look back at the 1960's protest movement and the ironic use of violence to protest the Vietnam War.
Director Sidney Lumet has made a number of really great movies (12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, Fail Safe, Serpico) and while he is still working today I think this was his last really good movie.
This one of River Phoenix's strongest performances in his sadly short career and it was his only Oscar nomination.
Good performances also by Hirsch and Lahti as the parents as well as Martha Plimpton who plays his girlfriend.
This review of Running on Empty (2010) was written by Stephen H on 20 Feb 2012.
Running on Empty has generally received positive reviews.
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