The Trip to Bountiful (2014 TV Movie) User Reviews

Poignant Tale

[larrys3 · 7/10 · 14 September 2014]

Cicely Tyson is superb here as Carrie Watts, an aging woman living with her son Ludie (Blair Underwood) and daughter-in-law Jessie Mae (Vanessa Williams), in Houston, Texas, in 1952. Carrie is quite unhappy there, as she's constantly bickering and arguing with the imperious Jessie Mae. Carrie yearns to return before she dies,, to her hometown of Bountiful, a small town along the Texas Gulf coast.

One day, when Ludie and Jessie Mae are out of the house, Carrie packs a small bag and heads for the bus depot to try and get to Bountiful after a 20 year absence. Along the way, she'll befriend a sweet young woman (Keke Palmer) on the bus, and encounter various adventures in her journey. If you haven't seen any of the versions of this film or play, I won't write a spoiler as to whether Carrie will get to see Bountiful one last time.

This movie played on the Lifetime channel and is now available on DVD, where I picked up a copy at my local library. As mentioned, there have been several versions of the story, all based on the late acclaimed screenwriter Horton Foote's play and adaptations to the screen or television. I remember seeing the 1985 movie, with Geraldine Page in the lead role, and liked it quite a lot.

All in all, I thought this version, directed by Michael Wilson, was a well presented poignant drama, enhanced by excellent acting all around. It gives viewers a break from the steady stream of films which are filled with gratuitous sex and violence.

"Goodbye Bountiful, goodbye."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 26 June 2019]

Mrs. Carrie Watts, portrayed by Cicely Tyson, is the kind of person you'd like to spend the day with and listen to all those wonderful, nostalgic stories about the past. Sometimes the memories aren't so wonderful, but achieve a rosy sort of afterglow with the passing of many years. A determined Carrie Watts makes a last ditch, concerted effort to return to the place of her youth for one final, melancholic look, not so much at a place, but at a time in her life when future possibilities were yet to be determined. As her son Ludie (Blair Underwood) suggests, time and distance has a way of making the places of our youth somewhat smaller than we remember them, as our perceptions become altered by the inevitable consequence of decades passing by. The central story of Carrie's wistful memories and her obsession to return to Bountiful, Texas is what drives the picture, book-ended by the unhappy marriage of her son to a bitter and discontented wife (Vanessa Williams) who seems immune to personal happiness. The story suggests the idea that choices made during one's life may not always result in happiness, and that it's one's attitude that allows us to rise above those circumstances.

Great performance from Cicely Tyson!!

[kwrdhemt-944-874334 · 8/10 · 9 March 2014]

I didn't realize this was a remake. I have never seen the original but I enjoyed this movie. Cicely Tyson should win an award. Her portrayal of Mrs. Watts so reminded me of my grandmother in many ways. I am sure the feeling of "wanting to go home" is resonant in all of us to some degree. It makes her character very relatable.

Whoever did the makeup for Vanessa Williams did a poor job. She looked "pasty".

I would like to read the book after seeing the movie...I keep feeling like the story was missing something.

I was also hoping for a different ending...but I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it.

Trip To Bountiful

[cyclepeachtwo-943-720676 · 10/10 · 8 March 2014]

Excellent Play and Movie. I saw and enjoyed both. I liked this movie as well as the play because the story brought back memories of growing up in the south. The memories of growing up in big houses with mothers and fathers as well as grandparents are cherished. As an adult, the longing to go back to where one grew up and to relive those wonderful moments is portrayed so well by Ms. Cicely Tyson. When Blair Underwood said to Ms. Tyson, "I should have brought you back here sooner" when he found out that her friend had died, reminded me of how precious our older parents, and grandparent's are in our lives.

Performances by the actors and actresses are phenomenal.! This will go down as a classic. I could watch it over and over with a box of tissues nearby.

'The Trip to Bountiful' is a Trip Worth Taking

[lesliecolejr · 7/10 · 30 August 2016]

Heartwarming is the word I would use to describe "The Trip to Bountiful." The best moment in this film happens at its close, when Carrie Watts (Cicely Tyson) and her son Ludie Watts (Blair Underwood) have a heart-to-heart in the yard of their family homestead. The old house, which is just barely standing after having been abandoned years ago, is in rural Bountiful. Carrie travels there by train, much to the angst of Ludie and his wife Jessie Mae Watts (Vanessa Williams), and without their knowing. Carrie has a heart condition and in her older age she should not be traveling alone.

Once Ludie catches up with Carrie in Bountiful after giving both he and Jessie Mae the slip, they bask in the golden sun drenched nostalgia of their family's idyllic acreage. Carrie is girlish once again. She gazes up into the sky hoping to catch glimpses of red birds and scissortails. Ludie is worn. He broods over the fact that he never had children and couldn't provide the kind of life for his wife or mother that they deserve. But for Carrie, returning to her hometown of Bountiful is an experience that is priceless. Neither Ludie's self-loathing nor his wife's curtness is enough to spoil her trip.

Williams is dismissively good. Tyson is genuine and sweet. Underwood proves once again just how underrated he is.

Tyson is Terrific ****

[edwagreen · 10/10 · 22 March 2014]

Cicely Tyson sure knows how to play elderly black ladies. We saw it in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," and now we see it again here.

Under Horton Foote's excellent writing, Tyson, as Carrie Watts, wants to see her old home in Bountiful, Texas before death takes her. She runs away from her son, played methodically by Blair Underwood and daughter-in-law, Vanessa Williams, the latter turning in a stellar supporting performance as a nagging, irritable person, suspicious and filled with contempt for her aging husband's mother. Her sole purpose for keeping her around is for the mighty pension check that Tyson provides for the family.

We see segregation down south at its peak in the film. Tyson is feisty as she sees life passing her by.

Trip To Bountiful '14 Ver - Excellent Re-Tread

[krocheav · 8/10 · 31 August 2021]

Horton Foot's daughter Hallie, commissioned director Michael Wilson to helm this impressive version of her father's prize-winning story. This time it's successfully told from the perspective of a black family, using all the situations lovingly brought to life from her father's original script. Nothing is lost; all the unique characters of this inspirational slice-of-life are here to be wondered at all over again.

Some characters on this journey receive warmer personality treatments than in the original and this, thankfully, adds to the enjoyment. Production is excellent, performances are exceptional (Cicely Tyson, along with the cinematographer; David Greene and all the producers were nominated for Emmys) with special mention to a thoughtfully designed music score by John Gromada. Recommended for discerning viewers who enjoy simple studies of life-inspired stories.

Available on DVD and Foxtel.

NOT TO BE CONFUSED with "race to freedom"

[davyd-02237 · 4/10 · 1 July 2019]

Hence, in part, why I have only given 4 stars....sadly, we got this film and not the story of 4 guys running away....this one is about an elderly lady trying to get to the place she was born. she lives with her understanding son and his (in my opinion) ghastly wife who seems to be quite greedy on all levels. This film isn't entertainment in my view and I was left disappointed. I wont spoil it for you as to what the lady sees when she gets to where she going, thanks to some kind hearted folk

Deserves a 10 if only for Cicely Tyson's performance

[morrisonhimself · 10/10 · 26 February 2022]

"Trip to Bountiful" -- "A" or "The" Trip -- has been recorded at least three times, and has been a stage play. It is a sweet, nostalgic story and will probably be performed for many more years to come.

There is a fairly small cast, but every single player is great. Poor Vanessa Williams has the most unsympathetic role, but she gives us a beautiful harridan beautifully played.

One reviewer called her character "ghastly," and I agree.

Other than "Jessie Mae," all the characters are three-dimensional and likeable. But Cicely Tyson's, being the focal character, gets the most attention, and deserves every second. What a marvelous performer.

Watching her in this TV movie, I was absolutely in thrall. She is simply astounding and outstanding.

Another reviewer proclaimed a willingness to watch this every day. I concur. Excellent story, excellently performed.

I can't stop without also praising the directing, the camera work, and the editing. This is a first-quality production, from top to bottom.

There is a very good print at YouTube. Please do watch it.