The Art of Travel (2008)

Best movie of this year hands down!

I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

So much average

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

At eighteen, Connor (Christopher Masterson) is set on marrying the lady of his dreams. No matter that most couples of the modern age wait considerably longer before taking the plunge. His heart is decidedly taken. Except, things change. Just hours before the ceremony, Connor finds out how treacherous his fiancé has been. Therefore, at the actual wedding, he "outs" her in front of the world and walks out to a new beginning. But, what shall he do, he is supposed to begin college? Scratching that, he embarks on a journey south, first to Mexico, where he scores to nice female roommates for a spell. Then, its on a journey through the Latin American rain forest with an odd group of characters hoping to set a time record through the terrain. There are many hazards in such a trip and Connor's eyes are firmly opened to adult matters. In fact, he falls for a much older woman of the group, Angelika, and they continue on the way to Machu Pichu. Will this happiness last? Alas, maybe not, but it certainly is lovely while it endures! This unusual film is breathtakingly beautiful in scenery. Maybe the travel companies should show it at seminars everywhere for it will make folks rush to the ticket booth. The scenes in Machu are especially gorgeous. The actors, who include Brooke Burke, do fine work and the script and direction merit big points for originality and quality. Is this the weekend that circumstances have dictated that you host a stay-cation at home? This movie will allow you to travel far beyond your usual surroundings.

Had googled 'great travel movies' before I watched this, and must admit that it has been a long time since I was that disappointed. I will not employ tired similes in this review (such as 'it has as much depth as a well-splashed puddle') but rarely have I seen a movie - with so much potential to be engaging - being so unengaging. All the characters overacted, so I was left midway through wondering whether this was meant to be a farce or a philosophical 'find yourself' film. Masterson's character annoyed me so much that had I encountered him on his central/south American odyssey, I would have slapped him to the deepest reaches of Patagonia. While there was some redemption in the cinematography, the overall premise of this movie was constructed with incredulous naivety and could just very well turn you against backpackers or put you off your next jaunt to Machu Picchu

THE ART OF TRAVEL is a fresh and breezy Independent film which grabs our attention with a show-stopping opening gambit. A young groom reveals his bride's infidelity as they exchange their wedding vows, presents photographic evidence to the assembled guests, and then takes off on the honeymoon-alone! Arriving at LAX, he takes the next flight out, and winds up in Managua, Nicaragua. Within one long and confusing day, he has partied with some 'hotties', been robbed of his cash, and is forced to place an urgent telephone call to Mom and Dad. In a more ordinary film, the call home would elicit the usual responses: "Here's the money for the next flight out", or "Don't bother us again". However, in this film his Dad counsels him to hang on, have another beer, and see what develops. And, what follows is the chronicle of his laid-back, yet enlightening gambol through the jungles and villages of Central and South America. This is not a great film, but it certainly captures the the quest for risk and adventure in a life where the ultimate belief in middle class values has yet to kick in.

I saw this film at the Sacramento International Film Festival and was completely impressed. The film tells the comedic story of a young man on the journey of self discovery and love. The story and tone are familiar territory, but this truly original film proves it is much more than its genre. Throughout the story, we discover with the characters the true passion for travel. Set in exotic South American locations, the beautiful cinematography transports you to these places and you really do feel you're tagging along for the ride. I recommend this film for anyone who loves the adventure of travel, or might be curious why people spend their lives serving the "wander lust" passion.