The Long Way Home (1998)

Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Redundant and unnecessary.

Purely Joyful Movie!

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

I saw this movie on TV back in 1998 and have been very sorry ever since that I did not tape it. I have seen a number of movies with Jack Lemmon in it and did not always like them but this one I liked very much. It's a wonderful story. Being about the age of the main character and experiencing some of what he encountered I could well identify with the way Jack portrayed him. Jack has obviously matured considerably since his earlier movies and has become more relaxed and laid back. Leanne plays her part very well as a young student getting along with the old guy. My main question is: "Where can I get a copy of it?" I can't understand why this movie has not been shown more often or issued on DVD. Amazon doesn't have it, so who does? If anyone can assist me in getting it I would appreciate it.

Harmonious,well-balanced,serene,golden,dignified movie.Everything is of interest:the script (by an objective,sober psychologist),the dialogs ,the cast (Lemmon and Miss Paulson,Mrs. Griffith),the photography; visually,the film is delightful.The acting is strong (Lemmon,electrifying,simply outstanding;Miss Paulson,amazing!),the funny dialog works,the humor is unobtrusive and light.Nothing hollow, ostentatious or cheap here.The Long Way Home is nothing less than it is meant to be,or than it intended to be.It leaves a suave taste,and a pleasing fragrance.Real cinema took place here!The script wisely turns down many stupid possible solutions and chooses to be supple.(Another writer would have chosen some kitsch twists.)Lemmon seems to be believable in any kind of role.It is useless and pointless to begin enumerating what this movie IS NOT (as the disappointed love has made some to proceed).It is not a lot of things;but that does not matter.Take it,or leave it.Enjoy it as it is.That's all we got,and it is not few.

Jack Lemmon is great in this drama, portraying a widower with masterly realism, balancing between a grumpy old man and the character he played in Short Cuts. While watching the movie, I was afraid it would eventually turn overbearingly sentimental, but it never did. It's a lovely, thought provoking story. Surprisingly fresh and much recommended.

I think the major theme of this movie revolves around the ubiquitous problem of the gap between two generations. Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old widower finds himself at the mercy of the decisions made for him by his sons after his wife expires. He moves into one of his son's house but is soon irritated with the way everyone treats him like an invalid over there. Their over-solicitude makes him do something they fear - go off without telling anyone, drive them nuts wondering what must have happened to him but also give his sons time to reflect on what went wrong in their relationship with their father. Meanwhile Tom comes close to getting run-down by a young collegiate who is driving across the country to meet her parents. This chance meeting culminates in Tom deciding to travel or literally hitch-hike across the country to California to meet an old sweetheart. Tom and Leann's friendship helps them to realise on what's important in their lives and mostly why do your own near and dear ones behave the way they do. Interspersed with witty dialogues and escapades with all the various people they meet along their way, with well-rounded characters, some beautiful scenery and music, this is a heartwarming feel-good movie that touches on the bitter-sweet relationship between parents and children..All is not lost..Tom couldn't get along with his middle-aged sons, but he does so strikingly with a collegiate in her early 20's and from this interaction decides to not let the rest of his life be ruled by the decisions made by others for him. The acting is commendable. I've not seen any other movies starring Jack Lemmon, but in this he is very convincing in his role and so is Sarah Paulson as Leann. She comes across as a friendly, intelligent girl with her head firmly on her shoulders. I look forward to seeing more performances by these two actors. This movie is worth watching for those who care for a nice leisurely movie which will not leave you disappointed..