This movie falls into that group of initially obnoxious "coming of age" films that has numerous characters that have either zero understanding of what their life can offer them, or they have come to a complete understanding with the universe, and are happily content, but unwilling to offer the serious smack to the head that the others require. It takes a while to get anywhere, especially with the two main characters both completely blind to everything around them that isn't squarely in their plans for themselves. Naturally, for the viewer, it quickly becomes obvious that they are squandering great potentials, but the joy of this movies is in the journey, not the destination.
Character development is the key here, not a grouping of pre-designed archetypes that are ready to hand you their life story and purpose in one single bit of dialogue. Especially noteworthy is the quirky uncle that seems hell-bent upon destroying anything of monetary value, but actually has himself firmly set upon his path to spiritual enlightenment. The siblings that are each trying to figure themselves out are equally good, although the viewer is generally ready to scream at them by the movie's midpoint.
The bottom line is that this is not a casual movie to pick up when you don't have other plans, and are looking for "anything". Be prepared to pay attention to it and enjoy the entire movie, not just the beginning and the end. It demands that you follow the characters in just as befuddled a state as they seem to be, until you reach the end, and recognize the true genius of the trip.
Character development is the key here, not a grouping of pre-designed archetypes that are ready to hand you their life story and purpose in one single bit of dialogue. Especially noteworthy is the quirky uncle that seems hell-bent upon destroying anything of monetary value, but actually has himself firmly set upon his path to spiritual enlightenment. The siblings that are each trying to figure themselves out are equally good, although the viewer is generally ready to scream at them by the movie's midpoint.
The bottom line is that this is not a casual movie to pick up when you don't have other plans, and are looking for "anything". Be prepared to pay attention to it and enjoy the entire movie, not just the beginning and the end. It demands that you follow the characters in just as befuddled a state as they seem to be, until you reach the end, and recognize the true genius of the trip.