Review of Transamerica (2005) by Katha R — 17 Mar 2009

Ok, so we all know the formula of a raod movie; two people who are very different that dislike eachother, or don't know eachother get into a situation where they are forced to travel together. They are predictable; the people involved always come together in some mutual passion and learn to get along, fall in love or become best friends.

But Transamerica, even though it follows the formula rigidly it is different. The characters are strange but not strange enough that we cant recognise something in them. You don't have to be a pre-op transexual to understand Bree.

She's insecure and uncomfortable and that's something that we can all relate to and you dont have to be a drug abuser to relate to Toby. He's just a very lost kid and we all remember what that was like.

Though upfront the plot may seem unrealistic the heart of it is something we can all relate to and when Bree cries, we cry. The story is beautifully told through the awkward relationship Bree and Toby share.

It's heartwarming and wonderfully funny. It makes you think there's hope for anyone and makes you less cynical about everything for a day or two. An exceptional piece of work with authentic acting from Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers and Fionnula Flannagan and a brilliant sense of humour.