I recently viewed this movie at the Long Island Film Festival and was delighted by its originality and fine performances. It's visually very intriguing as it's set in a very remote area in California. The characters were all somewhat quirky but lovable. See this movie if you want some enjoyable and satisfying time spent with some interesting people.
16 Reviews
A well acted and photographed movie a family can enjoy
arthur l5 June 2002
This was a very well told story. The performances were excellent, and the characters were memorable. It was particularly well photographed. It is the kind of film that the whole family can enjoy, since it did not rely on sex or violence, but rather on the meaningful relationships of the characters. It evoked nostalgia for the James Dean story, around which the plot revolves.
A very gentle movie.......
ZoeScrace6 May 2007
What a relaxing way to spend a few hours! Sometimes you are lucky enough to come across a movie by accident and are drawn into its story for me, this was one of those fortunate occasions. This is a very gentle movie. The characters are just ordinary people and, as such, come with emotional baggage and their own hopes and dreams. Gradually, however, we find out that one of them is linked tragically to someone rather more famous. The scenery provides a stunning backdrop that emphasises the loneliness of the individual characters. The light, which envelopes the hills at dusk, has a peculiar and beautiful quality to it and the scene where Max and Nina are sitting on the hillside drinking gives a cautious sense of hope for their future. This is not a movie for those who crave action but I do recommend this for those who enjoy stories driven by the characters.
Great Characters And Fine Performances Make For An Interesting And Enjoyable Ride
CineCritic200310 May 2003
I just saw a wonderful little independent film starring John Mahoney as the lead character amongst a bunch of interesting characters who come together when a movie director decides to use Mahoney's roadside diner as the main location for his biopic on James Dean. Dean supposedly drove off the road to his death very near the diner, and in the film within the film he is shown visiting the diner before his fateful ride. By the way, both the film and the film within the film are loosely based on what actually happened to Dean.
The location of Mahoney's diner, and the surrounding mountainous terrain is a beautiful, but desolate location where only these types of goofy but lovable characters would find themselves eeking out their existence living off the legend of James Dean. The film's main focus is the development of the characters and how they intertwine with each other. The plot revolves around the making of the movie, and Mahoney's dealing with an incident in his past that he hasn't figured out how to deal with yet.
The cinematography, and score are outstanding, as is the direction, with some very nice touches both musically and visually to accentuate tone, and mood. The entire cast does a great job in their roles, and first time director Terry Green (who also wrote the screenplay) does a good job of bringing the characters together for some interesting situations including some great dialogue. There seems to be real chemistry between these characters and they are a lot of fun to watch.
Both the basic plot of the film, and the focus of the film on developing characters reminded me of David Mamet's "State and Main". We see behind the scenes of a movie set, and see how the characters from Hollywood interact with the small-town characters with some very humorous results.
The movie overall has a good vibe about it as you really enjoy learning more about the characters as the film goes on. This film reminded me of "Murphy's Romance", with Mahoney similar to James Garner's "Murphy", and the rest of the cast looking to him as the wisest of the bunch. I found myself not wanting the movie to end, as I would like to continue to be with these characters to see what would actually become of them after the movie people left town. I liked these characters that much.
So in the end the movie's main strength is its characters, along with some beautiful cinematography, a good story, and some fine direction to bring it all together. I highly recommend this film. See it if you can, it's an interesting and enjoyable ride.
The location of Mahoney's diner, and the surrounding mountainous terrain is a beautiful, but desolate location where only these types of goofy but lovable characters would find themselves eeking out their existence living off the legend of James Dean. The film's main focus is the development of the characters and how they intertwine with each other. The plot revolves around the making of the movie, and Mahoney's dealing with an incident in his past that he hasn't figured out how to deal with yet.
The cinematography, and score are outstanding, as is the direction, with some very nice touches both musically and visually to accentuate tone, and mood. The entire cast does a great job in their roles, and first time director Terry Green (who also wrote the screenplay) does a good job of bringing the characters together for some interesting situations including some great dialogue. There seems to be real chemistry between these characters and they are a lot of fun to watch.
Both the basic plot of the film, and the focus of the film on developing characters reminded me of David Mamet's "State and Main". We see behind the scenes of a movie set, and see how the characters from Hollywood interact with the small-town characters with some very humorous results.
The movie overall has a good vibe about it as you really enjoy learning more about the characters as the film goes on. This film reminded me of "Murphy's Romance", with Mahoney similar to James Garner's "Murphy", and the rest of the cast looking to him as the wisest of the bunch. I found myself not wanting the movie to end, as I would like to continue to be with these characters to see what would actually become of them after the movie people left town. I liked these characters that much.
So in the end the movie's main strength is its characters, along with some beautiful cinematography, a good story, and some fine direction to bring it all together. I highly recommend this film. See it if you can, it's an interesting and enjoyable ride.
Great entertaining family film.
ljames26923 May 2003
This was a warm family movie - no violence, foul language -- just a well told story. The acting is top notch and the cinematography is great. I also enjoyed the music in this film. The story also has a little surprise that was interesting. I found out that this is a first time director, directing his own script. Fine job.
very enjoyable, excellent acting, good story line
carolelevine5 June 2002
This is a very good story. The acting was excellent, the setting was interesting and beautifully presented. The story was captivating.I enjoyed the nostalgic memories of James Dean and the relationships between the characters.
Virginia Madsen at her very best, A Great Ensemble Cast and a Wonderfully Nostalgic Story.
pizzawarrior1956-124 September 2005
Being a fan of actress Virginia Madsen, I have been especially looking forward to seeing this movie, and have long sought a copy for my video collection.
After finally locating one through a source in Austrailia, I recently saw it and found it to be worth the wait.
For the life of me, I don't know why this film didn't get more attention; then again I am sure there are reasons, such as being an independent film and automatically not going beyond the art houses, and perhaps the cast being mostly middle-aged and older, which probably would not interest the Gen Xers.
It is a shame though, being such a fine film, with a good story and a great cast, and not to mention one of Virginia Madsen's best performances.
One thing for certain is that Virginia has remained consistent, in that she seems to do her best work in movies no one ever gets to see, such as her remarkable performance in "American Gun", in which we watch her character successfully age from a teenager to middle-age.
Once again, another film that deserved more attention, but at least it is on video and has even been on cable once or twice.
From what I have been reading lately, she seems to want to continue making independent movies in the future, a very wise move if you ask me, when you consider her early career and her treatment in 'mainstream' movies.
I hope with her unqualified success in "Sideways", she will now be noticed, and that she will get much better roles that are worthy of her in much better films; though admittedly it is going to be hard to top her Oscar-nominated performance as Maya.
In any event, she deserves it !!!
In regards to this film, the producers do a great deal with their limited budget and resources, by cleverly telling a 'story within a story', that is the making a 'bio-pic' about actor James Dean.
This gives the film a rather warm, nostalgic feel; as does the retro-50's gas station reopened by John Mahoney's character; and though the cast is decidedly older and middle-aged (hard to think of Virginia Madsen that way !!!), there is a slight nod to the Xers in the cast as well.
Too bad that this film never found its audience, especially with such a likable cast, that includes an array of quirky and lovable characters, for this is a movie I would want to see often, even if Virginia Madsen wasn't in the cast.
In the past, more often than not, when I found any movie Virginia Madsen was in, I tend to just zip through it to note what scenes she appeared in, then putting the video away to gather dust somewhere.
Not this time !!!
In my opinion, "Almost Salinas" is an example of what an independent film is all about, and hopefully is a reflection of not only Virginia Madsen's continued good fortune, but also a general trend towards what film should be; that is a production that deals in more human terms and away from the big-budget spectacles that have been shoved down the public's throat lately.
Take my word on this, seek this one out by all means, even if you have to go to Austrailia to find a copy, like I did.
You won't regret it !!!
After finally locating one through a source in Austrailia, I recently saw it and found it to be worth the wait.
For the life of me, I don't know why this film didn't get more attention; then again I am sure there are reasons, such as being an independent film and automatically not going beyond the art houses, and perhaps the cast being mostly middle-aged and older, which probably would not interest the Gen Xers.
It is a shame though, being such a fine film, with a good story and a great cast, and not to mention one of Virginia Madsen's best performances.
One thing for certain is that Virginia has remained consistent, in that she seems to do her best work in movies no one ever gets to see, such as her remarkable performance in "American Gun", in which we watch her character successfully age from a teenager to middle-age.
Once again, another film that deserved more attention, but at least it is on video and has even been on cable once or twice.
From what I have been reading lately, she seems to want to continue making independent movies in the future, a very wise move if you ask me, when you consider her early career and her treatment in 'mainstream' movies.
I hope with her unqualified success in "Sideways", she will now be noticed, and that she will get much better roles that are worthy of her in much better films; though admittedly it is going to be hard to top her Oscar-nominated performance as Maya.
In any event, she deserves it !!!
In regards to this film, the producers do a great deal with their limited budget and resources, by cleverly telling a 'story within a story', that is the making a 'bio-pic' about actor James Dean.
This gives the film a rather warm, nostalgic feel; as does the retro-50's gas station reopened by John Mahoney's character; and though the cast is decidedly older and middle-aged (hard to think of Virginia Madsen that way !!!), there is a slight nod to the Xers in the cast as well.
Too bad that this film never found its audience, especially with such a likable cast, that includes an array of quirky and lovable characters, for this is a movie I would want to see often, even if Virginia Madsen wasn't in the cast.
In the past, more often than not, when I found any movie Virginia Madsen was in, I tend to just zip through it to note what scenes she appeared in, then putting the video away to gather dust somewhere.
Not this time !!!
In my opinion, "Almost Salinas" is an example of what an independent film is all about, and hopefully is a reflection of not only Virginia Madsen's continued good fortune, but also a general trend towards what film should be; that is a production that deals in more human terms and away from the big-budget spectacles that have been shoved down the public's throat lately.
Take my word on this, seek this one out by all means, even if you have to go to Austrailia to find a copy, like I did.
You won't regret it !!!
Perfectly delightful!
centennialhouse18 June 2003
A real feel-good film with substance, a bit of a mystery, lovable characters, great ending and lots of fun. Very clever. Playing in Chicago at The Three Penny on Lincoln at Fullerton til the end of the week -- be sure to sample Jim's great pizza while watching the film. See it!
Well crafted, superb cast, excellent directing
followinghim-only5 September 2002
The viewer is drawn into this compelling story as they should be...slowly and carefully. We are allowed time to savor each moment and believe in the characters. Whether from careful editing or marvelous talent, this movie flows from scene to scene, telling a story we all thought had been done to death. Although not yet seen much in the U.S. it is surely worth any effort to track down a copy.
We loved the film
jillnpaul25 July 2002
What an enjoyable film! Just goes to prove that you can make a wonderful film without nudity, violence or offensive language. The story was solid, the casting perfect and the scenery and cinematography breathtaking. Hopefully this film will be distributed so others can experience it as well.
A beautifully written and directed film with lovingcharacters
Ken Clayman18 May 2002
My wife and I saw the film at a movie class. It was a beautifully written, with loving characters and an ensemble cast. John Mahoney was superb in the lead role. It was a "throwback" movie in the sense there were no four-letter words, and there was no violence, and no explicit sex scenes (although the movie was intensely romantic). We found ourselves talking about the movie and its meaning in the days thereafter.
In enjoyed the film so much that I undertook to contact the producer and director. With the producer's help, I actually held a screening of the film, with my friends as guests. I am not in the film business in any way, and had never even been to a screening myself. I have now seen the film three times, and find nuances in it on each occasion I was not aware of before.
In enjoyed the film so much that I undertook to contact the producer and director. With the producer's help, I actually held a screening of the film, with my friends as guests. I am not in the film business in any way, and had never even been to a screening myself. I have now seen the film three times, and find nuances in it on each occasion I was not aware of before.
Beautiful and touching with a sense of humor
MikalFG6 July 2001
This film is a good character study with a clever ballet of different personalities clashing and intertwining in a very intriguing and somewhat amusing tale. The use of the location as a silent character in the film is a subtle undercurrent to the story. The visuals are excellent, beautiful and well captured on film. The use of color is seamlessly interwoven with the plot and mood of the film. The whole thing stays with you and grows on you. See it more than once.
A beautiful piece of art!
hang104 June 2002
The poignant complexity of "Almost Salinas" was beautifully superimposed on the intoxicating beauty of a seemingly godforsaken stretch of an isolated stretch of California highway. "Almost Salinas" was a movie about a movie in production, depicting James Dean's fatal car crash on his way to Salinas. In a masterful and creative way, John Green used film production, his own medium, to metaphorically allow the viewer to peer into the complex lives of very simple people. Viewers are treated to stunning cinematography as well as a well written script. This movie is a sleeper. John Green has done a superb job. I wish him well.
Almost Salinas, a sentimental journey
cbe4191915 August 2014
This is no blockbuster and it would be easy to pass it off as an also ran but it deserves closer scrutiny because of the emotion passed across successfully by the team and the nostalgia we all feel at some time in our lives, what might have been if the cookie had crumbled another way. It's never pleasant dwelling on a young life wasted and that is dealt with superbly. I am driven to watching it periodically when I need to get my feet back on the ground. It's in my special collection. I am not a James Dean fan and I have never watched one of his movies. I am now ready to do so and find out why guy, who I thought was a wayward Biker is so revered.
Very watchable
angelamcgeachie1 January 2017
This is a lovely movie that pretends to be nothing but a great way to spend 90 minutes in front of the TV on a rainy evening. The movie centres on a man living in a gas stop in Salinas, which is the area where James Dean died. A film crew arrive to do a story on the death of James Dean. Meanwhile, a mature woman, quite sophisticated is conducting her own investigation of why there would be a man living in Salinas operating an unsuccessful gas station in such a remote area. The story may lack sophistication. However, that is just what makes it so quaint. I enjoyed this movie, as a reprieve from the usual competition for more action, more visuals and more excitement. Just a simply made, nice movie. Don't try to read anything into it.
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