Review of Thelma & Louise (1991) by David K — 08 Jul 2009

This movie is Michael Bay-lite. "Thelma & Louise" has all the makings of the corny and forgettable summer blockbuster with a little bit of a road movie mixed in.

With a feminist message, the film fails to really say anything other than that "women are in a men's world." Thelma and Louise's run for freedom is commendable and worthy considering the world they're running from. However, with a message so simple, the film is founded upon the characters.

With a character driven film that lasts over two hours, they better be interesting and deep. Fortunately, for the most part, the film does a good job portraying these women as sympathetic heroines. Their humor is funny and their course of action is believable. However, the film tends to contain scenes that serve no purpose other than to get a big laugh from a packed movie theatre. Unfortunately, these jokes don't work under any other scenario.

The end does make up for a tedious and boring third act and I can understand why it remains an iconic American ending. But, "Thelma & Louise" is by no means a classic. It's not even that good.