So many bad reviews. Not all movies are action hero flicks. It played out slow but I was still riveted. The movies tension was not in body count or how the protagonist was a few steps ahead. The tension was in being (as a viewer) emotionally linked with Sally and Leila. There was no need for CGI in this film which these days I found refreshing. Of course Morgan Freeman delivers a perfect performance as always.
59 Reviews
Worth Watching
bobrathome8 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Sally (Juliette Binoche) is a trucker who is asked to transport a package across state lines. She is very surprised to learn the package is a young girl, Leila (Hala Finely) who is condemned to a sex trafficking ring. Sally is not happy with taking the girl. Later the problem is that Leila kills the man she was supposed to meet and now Sally and Leila need to keep an eye out for the two smugglers Claire (Christine Deidel0 and Terrence (Walker Babington) and let's not forget the FBI led by Sterling (Cameron Monaghan) and Gerrick (Morgan Freeman) who got onto the case due to the murdered man. Sterling likes to think he is in charge and not Gerrick's assistant, but it doesn't work that way as you will see. Sterling likes to call Gerrick an A-Hole.
Sally is also concerned about her brother Dennis (Frank Grillo) who is about to be released from prison and the concern Sally and Frank have is that they need each other since they had non-supportive parents.
The rest of the movie has Sally and Leila keeping ahead of the FBI and the smugglers who still want the girl. And Sally, at times, uses her fellow female truckers to run interference to confuse the FBI who think they have Sally dead to right. To be fair the FBI now just want to make sure the girl is safe.
Notables: Veronica Ferres as Rose, a trucker; Jwaundace Candece as Tesia, a trucker; Jackie Dallas as Deborah, a trucker.
A special shout out goes to Hala Finely who gives a fine performance as Leila the young girl wanted by the Sex traffickers, and who comes of age quickly and learns to trust those who want to keep her safe. She becomes the adult When she helps a drunken Sally escape harm.
This is slow moving but it needed to be. We do get a superficial glimpse into how young girls are treated before being condemned to sex traffickers. Slow moving but riveting because you never know what will happened next. (7/10)
Violence: Yes Sex; No.
Nudity: No.
Humor: Not really Language; Yes Rating: B.
Sally is also concerned about her brother Dennis (Frank Grillo) who is about to be released from prison and the concern Sally and Frank have is that they need each other since they had non-supportive parents.
The rest of the movie has Sally and Leila keeping ahead of the FBI and the smugglers who still want the girl. And Sally, at times, uses her fellow female truckers to run interference to confuse the FBI who think they have Sally dead to right. To be fair the FBI now just want to make sure the girl is safe.
Notables: Veronica Ferres as Rose, a trucker; Jwaundace Candece as Tesia, a trucker; Jackie Dallas as Deborah, a trucker.
A special shout out goes to Hala Finely who gives a fine performance as Leila the young girl wanted by the Sex traffickers, and who comes of age quickly and learns to trust those who want to keep her safe. She becomes the adult When she helps a drunken Sally escape harm.
This is slow moving but it needed to be. We do get a superficial glimpse into how young girls are treated before being condemned to sex traffickers. Slow moving but riveting because you never know what will happened next. (7/10)
Violence: Yes Sex; No.
Nudity: No.
Humor: Not really Language; Yes Rating: B.
Worth a watch
fredperry4923 September 2022
Not a high packed action movie, but a good storyline. The ending let it down a little bit, but not enough to ruin it.
You can imagine this kind of stuff going on so it's pretty much a 'day in the life of' kinda movie. Don't want to say too much and spoil it, because it is worth a watch.
Not popcorn and pizza night standard, but it's still a sit down, put your feet up film.
Morgan Freeman is an obvious draw to the film, but it was good to see that he wasn't surrounded with bad acting like you see in a lot of these movies where big stars seem to appear as supporting characters.
It's a solid 6.
You can imagine this kind of stuff going on so it's pretty much a 'day in the life of' kinda movie. Don't want to say too much and spoil it, because it is worth a watch.
Not popcorn and pizza night standard, but it's still a sit down, put your feet up film.
Morgan Freeman is an obvious draw to the film, but it was good to see that he wasn't surrounded with bad acting like you see in a lot of these movies where big stars seem to appear as supporting characters.
It's a solid 6.
We've never seen Juliette Binoche like this before!
trinaboice8 August 2022
IN A NUTSHELL:
It's the presence of Morgan Freeman and Juliette Binoche on the movie poster that will pique your interest in this movie. Fans of Frank Grillo will take notice as well when they find out he's in this action thriller. The film was written and directed by Anna Gutto as her debut feature.
THINGS I LIKED: We've never seen Juliette Binoche look quite like this before! She's gritty and tough as a big-rig truck driver. As always, she does a fantastic job.
Juliette Binoche spends most of the movie in her truck with the young actress Hala Finley, who also performs well.
It's rare to see Frank Grillo NOT be in the middle of all the action in a movie like this.
There's a sad conversation about why kids who are kidnapped in the sex trade don't try to run away. I've often wondered that myself. Morgan Freeman's salty character gives us an interesting and heartbreaking answer.
There is some suspense mixed with heartwarming moments.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: I thought for sure we'd see a beach scene at the end.
The title of the movie was an odd choice.
The movie doesn't go deep enough.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Profanity and many F-bombs (several spoken by a little girl) Jail scenes We see cigarette burns on a man's hands and tortured bruises on his chest A child is kidnapped Violence with various weapons You see several people get shot and bloodied A girl throws up all over herself We see a young girl in her underwear
THEMES: Family Human trafficking Sacrifices Past traumas Abuse Betrayal Trust Loneliness The US prison system Conscience and doing what's right Protecting the innocent Community Friendship
THINGS I LIKED: We've never seen Juliette Binoche look quite like this before! She's gritty and tough as a big-rig truck driver. As always, she does a fantastic job.
Juliette Binoche spends most of the movie in her truck with the young actress Hala Finley, who also performs well.
It's rare to see Frank Grillo NOT be in the middle of all the action in a movie like this.
There's a sad conversation about why kids who are kidnapped in the sex trade don't try to run away. I've often wondered that myself. Morgan Freeman's salty character gives us an interesting and heartbreaking answer.
There is some suspense mixed with heartwarming moments.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: I thought for sure we'd see a beach scene at the end.
The title of the movie was an odd choice.
The movie doesn't go deep enough.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Profanity and many F-bombs (several spoken by a little girl) Jail scenes We see cigarette burns on a man's hands and tortured bruises on his chest A child is kidnapped Violence with various weapons You see several people get shot and bloodied A girl throws up all over herself We see a young girl in her underwear
THEMES: Family Human trafficking Sacrifices Past traumas Abuse Betrayal Trust Loneliness The US prison system Conscience and doing what's right Protecting the innocent Community Friendship
Ordinary fare elevated by its theme
mytwobit22 October 2022
The movie is pretty ordinary. Of course you get to see a deglamourised Juliette Binoche which is a plus. She really has got her hands dirty as a truck driver. The point of this film is more to make people aware of human trafficking happening right under your nose maybe. That's how scary it is. I for one never imagined young girls were trafficked in America. That's what makes this an important film. Morgan Freeman's character never really blossomed to its full potential. Surprised he even agreed for this role which is more a supporting one. The young girl has acted well. Hope she gets more roles in the future. Watchable on a lazy day when you don't want to think too much.
Who approves these movies
idonotexist1 August 2022
On it's face this should have been nice. Human trafficking gone bad, some FBI agents on the trail.
Alas no. Acting is horrible, script is shallow and dull, characters are downright stupid and cliched beyond all hell. This is another trucker movie that fails at portraying the basics about trucking so we cannot even watch it for that aspect.
This movie has nothing going for it. Freeman was just an old man getting in and out of a car doing nothing. Not even good dialogue was given to him.
Hard pass.
Alas no. Acting is horrible, script is shallow and dull, characters are downright stupid and cliched beyond all hell. This is another trucker movie that fails at portraying the basics about trucking so we cannot even watch it for that aspect.
This movie has nothing going for it. Freeman was just an old man getting in and out of a car doing nothing. Not even good dialogue was given to him.
Hard pass.
this movie should be shown in classes on.....
dean70129 July 2022
...how to take a few amazing actors and make a complete piece of garbage.
Disjointed scenes, no flow. Absolutely no suspense whatsoever.
It's amazing how bad this movie is .
Normally in a movie of this type, there is more establishment at the beginning of the story detailing character background.
It is an utter waste of your time to watch this.
Awful directing... I would assume that favors were called in to have Morgan and Juliette in this.
Disjointed scenes, no flow. Absolutely no suspense whatsoever.
It's amazing how bad this movie is .
Normally in a movie of this type, there is more establishment at the beginning of the story detailing character background.
It is an utter waste of your time to watch this.
Awful directing... I would assume that favors were called in to have Morgan and Juliette in this.
Help to stop human trafficking
gdck-087258 March 2023
If more people could watch this movie they would have better understanding about human trafficking, The impact that it has especially young women in our society. The low rating on IMDB May keep people from watching it.
The actors : the main character- Juliette Bichon, the young actress, "Yale", and of course Morgan Freeman are enough to make it worthwhile to watch!
This human trafficking happens all over the world but surprisingly too much happens right here in the good old United States of America so please give it a higher rating and suggest to your friends to watch it
Please give it a watch.
The actors : the main character- Juliette Bichon, the young actress, "Yale", and of course Morgan Freeman are enough to make it worthwhile to watch!
This human trafficking happens all over the world but surprisingly too much happens right here in the good old United States of America so please give it a higher rating and suggest to your friends to watch it
Please give it a watch.
Sadly this is just a very bad copy of Eastwood's "The Mule"
moscalifar-6872730 July 2022
The director/ writer is not original at all , not to say she copies Clint Eastwood's "The Mule" but with less talent and skills.
Waste of time watching it so just go and see The Mule again, it will be 100 time better spent 100 minutes.
Waste of time watching it so just go and see The Mule again, it will be 100 time better spent 100 minutes.
Not a perfect film, but still very captivating in touching on a real huge and terrible international issue.
Top_Dawg_Critic30 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Norwegian filmmaker Anna Gutto makes her first full-length feature film debut as writer and director for this film (with only a handful of prior short films), and she did not disappoint.
Sure it wasn't perfect or action packed like everyone expects every movie to be, but Gutto's directing was on point - for a newb filmmaker, and managed to keep that constant tension of suspense.
Her writing did have some continuity and plot issues, and probably needed better editing and some scenes cut down or omitted, because the 115 min runtime felt much longer, especially with the slow pace and extended and/or unnecessary scenes. Even some of the dialogue felt convoluted, and the tone of the film could've been more upbeat.
However, the cinematography and score were spot-on. The casting and performances were excellent and convincing, especially considering Gutto's inexperience in directing her cast. Yet still, little Hala Finley as Leila shined and stole the show with some breathtaking and heart-wrenching scenes.
I actually enjoyed this more than expected, maybe because I have a young daughter and can relate to such atrocities, and found it refreshing that the focus of the police was more on saving the kids rather than catching the bad guys.
For a newb filmmaker making her feature film debut, and the few rookie mistakes forgiven, I applaud Gutto for giving us this gem of a film. It's a well deserved 8/10 from me.
Sure it wasn't perfect or action packed like everyone expects every movie to be, but Gutto's directing was on point - for a newb filmmaker, and managed to keep that constant tension of suspense.
Her writing did have some continuity and plot issues, and probably needed better editing and some scenes cut down or omitted, because the 115 min runtime felt much longer, especially with the slow pace and extended and/or unnecessary scenes. Even some of the dialogue felt convoluted, and the tone of the film could've been more upbeat.
However, the cinematography and score were spot-on. The casting and performances were excellent and convincing, especially considering Gutto's inexperience in directing her cast. Yet still, little Hala Finley as Leila shined and stole the show with some breathtaking and heart-wrenching scenes.
I actually enjoyed this more than expected, maybe because I have a young daughter and can relate to such atrocities, and found it refreshing that the focus of the police was more on saving the kids rather than catching the bad guys.
For a newb filmmaker making her feature film debut, and the few rookie mistakes forgiven, I applaud Gutto for giving us this gem of a film. It's a well deserved 8/10 from me.
not the most...
ops-5253529 July 2022
Thrilling thriller ive seen, much due to a slow plot drive, an editor still climbing the learning curve, and direction that are not steelframed outta competance. Its a small cast feature length truckin movie based mainly midwest USA, and the camerascoop gives you quite a few lovely shoots of the ever so flat but beautiful scenery out there.
Acting is very average, mostly due to a modest script, the child actor has talent, grillo , binnoche and freeman doesnt stand out tall, more interesting was the hauling tractors, unbelievable spacy rest/sleeping cabins in them american rigs.
As mentioned its meant to be a human trafficking thriller, with law enforcement and hudlums trailing the runaway truck. And thats mostly it, more like a drama, with neo german vibes on the film production, its not an outstanding film, but its a small recommend from the grumpy old man,if you like the restless life behind the wheel hauling goods from a to z.
Acting is very average, mostly due to a modest script, the child actor has talent, grillo , binnoche and freeman doesnt stand out tall, more interesting was the hauling tractors, unbelievable spacy rest/sleeping cabins in them american rigs.
As mentioned its meant to be a human trafficking thriller, with law enforcement and hudlums trailing the runaway truck. And thats mostly it, more like a drama, with neo german vibes on the film production, its not an outstanding film, but its a small recommend from the grumpy old man,if you like the restless life behind the wheel hauling goods from a to z.
Decent movie
rangerp-2890530 July 2022
Pretty good story especially with what we see today and has been going on for along time. More movies like this one and the "sound of freedom" coming out later this year shoukd be made to expose the corruption going on.
Stars on the ... Highway
kosmasp7 December 2022
No pun intended - the movie does have some intersting stars (or bit player to say the least). Some of them can be seen more than others - you may ask yourself if it is ok to stick with the movie. I'd say yes, but it will be up to you and your likings.
The cast does its best to keep you on the edge of your seat. Adding a Tommy Lee Jones storyline to keep us on our toes (played by Morgan Freeman) ... this is of course not a carbon copy of the Fugitive ... but it does have some of the things the movie had ...try to enjoy this for what it is ... a relatively decent movie to say the least. Frank Grillo may have too much too handle overall ... because he is the one that handles everything.
The cast does its best to keep you on the edge of your seat. Adding a Tommy Lee Jones storyline to keep us on our toes (played by Morgan Freeman) ... this is of course not a carbon copy of the Fugitive ... but it does have some of the things the movie had ...try to enjoy this for what it is ... a relatively decent movie to say the least. Frank Grillo may have too much too handle overall ... because he is the one that handles everything.
Decent indie film w/good performances and beautiful cinematography
icatcherfilms1 August 2022
Important subject matter (re: human trafficking) has been mined before in other indie films (e.g. HOLLY, YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE, CATCH THE FAIR ONE) and while they pack more of an emotional punch, PARADISE HIGHWAY is a good addition to the genre. A slow-burn thriller movie, writer/director Anna Gutto does a good job of bringing us into the truck driving world, which is ripe for human trafficking. Although there are some plot points that require suspension of disbelief, Gutto gets good performances from the actors and the cinematography is beautiful. Worth checking out.
Wasted Talent.
kcsmlc31 July 2022
What a waste of name talent. Hopefully the young actress will get decent recognition. Poorly written. If they wrote it gor truckers, they will be disappointed. Don't waste your time unless you need something to put you to sleep.
He Exploded
nogodnomasters8 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Dennis (Frank Grillo) is in jail where he belongs. He is getting out Thursday. He is being threatened by a gang. To prevent from getting hurt, his truck driver sister Sally (Juliette Binoche) moves items across the state line for the crime organization. It turns out they are making her do one last job. Smuggle a little girl (Hala Finley) for the sex traffickers. Sally doesn't want to do it, but does so for Dennis. At their destination, it seems the little girl doesn't want to go and blows a hole in the man with shotgun kept in the truck. The two go on the run, Sally not knowing what to do. Morgan Freeman is on the case. And then the plot takes more twists.
This was a good drama. Unlike other films done to alert us to sex slave dealing, this one doesn't need to put up the words at the end and beginning to let you know why they made the film. It was made well enough to hit home. I may never go to Mississippi again.
Guide; F-word. No sex or nudity.
This was a good drama. Unlike other films done to alert us to sex slave dealing, this one doesn't need to put up the words at the end and beginning to let you know why they made the film. It was made well enough to hit home. I may never go to Mississippi again.
Guide; F-word. No sex or nudity.
Great cast poor script
danielcereto3 August 2022
I watched this one expecting something decent because Morgan Freeman and Frank Grillo were involved in this project.
The problem here is the script. Just trash. Unoriginal and predictable. Even the pace is extremely slow.
To add, looks like it was directed by a Feminist, because I can't understand 4/5 truck drivers in this movie are women. Why?
Not to mention all main characters are mostly women too. Frank and Morgan are barely visible in this film.
Anyway, I suggest to skip this one and go for a walk or to eat your favorite meal with your family. What a waste of time.
The problem here is the script. Just trash. Unoriginal and predictable. Even the pace is extremely slow.
To add, looks like it was directed by a Feminist, because I can't understand 4/5 truck drivers in this movie are women. Why?
Not to mention all main characters are mostly women too. Frank and Morgan are barely visible in this film.
Anyway, I suggest to skip this one and go for a walk or to eat your favorite meal with your family. What a waste of time.
Not the Best but worth watching if u have nothing better to watch
xkurdishlordx1 August 2022
1. Editing wise the editing didn't look that great, one of the best parts of the movie was the shots that were taken & they looked great with the story & they fit pretty well together.
2. Another good part of the movie which was kinda wholesome was the relationship between main character & the kid *their relation ship was pretty wholesome & especially how the relation ship was made.
3. As for the negatives: A: Editing B: The scene in the end which uncovered everything including the thriller part of the movie was pretty bad & just looked like for a great story like that they just coul've done it way better.
2. Another good part of the movie which was kinda wholesome was the relationship between main character & the kid *their relation ship was pretty wholesome & especially how the relation ship was made.
3. As for the negatives: A: Editing B: The scene in the end which uncovered everything including the thriller part of the movie was pretty bad & just looked like for a great story like that they just coul've done it way better.
Boring and slow
karthik-dragonwarrior29 July 2022
OK what is wrong with the reviewers?
roninconsulting27 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Anyone ever stop to think WHY Morgan Freeman did this film? Not for the money.
The story is very good. I'm impressed by the writing and the directing. This movie devastated me at the realities of child and human trafficking.
As I watched, I took a quick break and did a YouTube search. What a surprise - 11 days ago - Arkansas human trafficking ring busted by FBI.
Serious issue. Also addressed in Sicario - Day of Soldado.
Though fictional for this film, love the women truckers because here is the reality. How can any woman or man engage in such activity.
The young actress was phenomenal and her acting made me emotional. Yes, tears. Solid ending. And happy with it.
People neee to let up on nonsense reviews. The issue is the human trafficking and the acting isn't Oscar but this movie worked well for me.
It's a slow burn flick. Human reality.
The story is very good. I'm impressed by the writing and the directing. This movie devastated me at the realities of child and human trafficking.
As I watched, I took a quick break and did a YouTube search. What a surprise - 11 days ago - Arkansas human trafficking ring busted by FBI.
Serious issue. Also addressed in Sicario - Day of Soldado.
Though fictional for this film, love the women truckers because here is the reality. How can any woman or man engage in such activity.
The young actress was phenomenal and her acting made me emotional. Yes, tears. Solid ending. And happy with it.
People neee to let up on nonsense reviews. The issue is the human trafficking and the acting isn't Oscar but this movie worked well for me.
It's a slow burn flick. Human reality.
excellent movie you can see the hand of a woman directing, refreshing
josemanuelh7 August 2022
I am so tired of mainstream movies, this one, directed by a woman, talking about real women problems in a so macho men country as the USA, shows that side of USA that makes me avoid visiting that country
not an action movie, fortunately, but a movie about persons, feelings, and the overwhelming injustice and discrimination of women treated like garbage since they are just llttle girls
american way of life ... what a shame.
not an action movie, fortunately, but a movie about persons, feelings, and the overwhelming injustice and discrimination of women treated like garbage since they are just llttle girls
american way of life ... what a shame.
Could have been better...
paul_haakonsen3 August 2022
As I sat down to watch the 2022 thriller "Paradise Highway", I must admit that I was definitely harboring some expectations to writer and director Anno Gutto. Why? Well, because the movie had the likes of Morgan Freeman and Frank Grillo on the cast list, plus the synopsis sounded interesting as well.
And sure, "Paradise Highway" is watchable, but it was essentially just a run-of-the-mill rather generic and straight forward thriller. Writer and director Anna Gutto didn't really bring much of anything new or overly exciting to the genre. Don't get me wrong, because "Paradise Highway" is a watchable movie and sort of enjoyable enough. However, I was just expecting a tad more from the movie.
The storyline is straight forward and adequate enough, but the pacing of the narrative is somewhat mundane and slow paced, so while the movie is running at 115 minutes, if feels more like 175 minutes. If director Anna Gutto had upped the pacing of the narrative, then "Paradise Highway" would have been a whole different movie experience.
Now, I am not familiar with Cameron Monaghan, but she performed well in the leading role. And it was nice to see Morgan Freeman on the screen, though it was in a more leaned back sort of passive role though. And as for Frank Grillo, well he was hardly in the movie.
If you overly enjoy thrillers, then perhaps give "Paradise Highway" a chance, you might get a kick out of the storyline. I was only mildly entertained by what writer and director Anna Gutto delivered with "Paradise Highway".
My rating of "Paradise Highway" lands on a very bland five out of ten stars. The movie simply lacked thrilling contents. While having sat through the movie once, this is not a movie that I will be returning to a second time, simply because it doesn't have the contents to support a second viewing.
And sure, "Paradise Highway" is watchable, but it was essentially just a run-of-the-mill rather generic and straight forward thriller. Writer and director Anna Gutto didn't really bring much of anything new or overly exciting to the genre. Don't get me wrong, because "Paradise Highway" is a watchable movie and sort of enjoyable enough. However, I was just expecting a tad more from the movie.
The storyline is straight forward and adequate enough, but the pacing of the narrative is somewhat mundane and slow paced, so while the movie is running at 115 minutes, if feels more like 175 minutes. If director Anna Gutto had upped the pacing of the narrative, then "Paradise Highway" would have been a whole different movie experience.
Now, I am not familiar with Cameron Monaghan, but she performed well in the leading role. And it was nice to see Morgan Freeman on the screen, though it was in a more leaned back sort of passive role though. And as for Frank Grillo, well he was hardly in the movie.
If you overly enjoy thrillers, then perhaps give "Paradise Highway" a chance, you might get a kick out of the storyline. I was only mildly entertained by what writer and director Anna Gutto delivered with "Paradise Highway".
My rating of "Paradise Highway" lands on a very bland five out of ten stars. The movie simply lacked thrilling contents. While having sat through the movie once, this is not a movie that I will be returning to a second time, simply because it doesn't have the contents to support a second viewing.
It's not that bad that you might think!
Evil-fennec9 August 2022
Family bonds and conscience will always find the right path because you have your own set of values.
noshouse28 September 2023
Actually, 'Paradise Highway' can be considered a thriller, a movie that can really give parents a good scare. I have to say, from start to finish, the lead actress Juliette Binoche is a good person. It's just that her moral dilemma leads her to lose sight of right and wrong values. She's constantly threatened due to her brother, essentially becoming an unwitting accomplice in human trafficking. If you pair this with the recent popular movie 'Sound of Freedom,' you can truly understand why kidnapping and the illicit trade of human trafficking have surpassed even drug trafficking. It's because they involve forcing even innocent family members into becoming unintentional accomplices. One link leads to another. I really despise villains because these big bad guys often use matters of great importance to ordinary people to manipulate and threaten them.
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