Off the Map (2005)

Simply A Masterpiece

Fresh and Exciting

Don't listen to the negative reviews

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It never fails to amaze me how people will give "9" or "10" ratings to very weak films. This movie is well-intentioned, with ONE great performance in it (Joan Allen's). When Joan Allen is on screen, the film's humanity comes through. Unfortunately, the movie is mortally wounded by a cute, precocious performance by Valentina De Angelis, one of the most self-aware, obnoxious child actresses I've ever seen. She RUINS this film.If I had a daughter like Ms. De Angelis, I'd become a depressed catatonic like Sam Elliott's character, too.Nice photography, not bad direction, passable soundtrack.Shame about that Valentina De Angelis performance. Hand me another Prozac and some Gummi Bears, will ya?4 stars.

I really enjoyed the relaxed nature of this film. Moving back from the edge of my seat for a change, I found I was able to simply observe a lovely story. In some ways it resembles "An Unfinished Life" - same kind of locale in the U.S. SW outback and a family-life storyline - however I enjoyed this one much more and thought AFL resembled more a movie-of-the-week. I think young Bo's character (only child 12 yr old growing up in the middle of nowhere) is the central piece here and in that regard her character development, particularly in the second half, looked like it really wanted to go somewhere (e.g. coyote) but it never fully made the trip. I wonder what the play script did at that point in the story.High marks for feel goodness without being sappy, lovely cinematography, very good acting and direction for the most part.

What I really want to know is if the artist was killed by accident or on purpose?????????? My friend and my husband both think it had to be by accident, I say she was a herbalist and she must have known and I think her husband did also. All three of us loved the movie. I liked the way it dealt with depression, that you can come out of it and that there is support, either in friends, family or therapy. Loved the acting. The movie made me feel as though I was there in the house and on the homestead with real people. I could actually forget I was watching a movie and felt involved. I am from the southwest and the dialog was so real I felt I knew these people before in my earlier life and they talked my language.

great little movie. having lived in new Mexico, i get it. a bit tedious at times, but well worth the investment. this movie has a big heart. i grew to love the characters. many people would yawn and give up. i like these kinds of movies that take time to develop (if there is a pay-off at the end). this movie paid off big time. Sam Elliott and Joan Allen are always great. Amy brenneman was a nice touch (i have enjoyed her since she played Faye moskewitz on Frasier). the girl (bo)was great too. she has great camera presence (like Andie McDowell). if manged properly, she has a fine future. - all in all, see this movie. it makes you feel good about life.