KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * *
It would be fair to say that when you throw two Academy Award-winning actresses into a drama, your expectations of what they may produce together is on the high side.
In the case of Bonneville, which stars Oscar-winners Lange and Bates, the result isn't
so much award-winning but a nice, sweet film you can take your mother to.
Bonneville is a movie for those who were in their mid-40's when Thelma and Louise was released in 1991, and who are now looking for a more subdued, mature, respectable road trip across America.
Bonneville promises a tale of fun and adventure to remind you of the importance of friendship and that life must be lived to the fullest, but it doesn't quite deliver. It does provide a few laughs and a pleasant hour-and-a-half distraction from life - just don't expect to be inspired to take life by the horns, pack the car and head for the hills.
Bonneville is the story of Arvilla Holden (Lange), whose husband, Joe, suddenly dies, leaving her at the mercy of her uptight, bitter and overly groomed stepdaughter, Francine (Baranski), who demands Joe's ashes are brought to Los Angeles to be buried with his first wife.
Arvilla promised Joe she would scatter his ashes and is determined to do so, but when it becomes apparent Joe didn't update his will and that Arvilla's house now belongs to Francine, she's left with no choice but to deliver Joe to his daughter in exchange for keeping her home.
Arvilla's two best friends, Margene (Bates) and Carol (Allen), devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, agree to take the trip with Arvilla, flying from their small town in Idaho to Santa Barbara.
On the spur of the moment, Arvilla decides to brush the cobwebs off Joe's 1966 Bonneville classic convertible and instead drive to Santa Barbara with her girlfriends.
While it's lovely watching these three actresses on screen together, it's a shame the material doesn't match their talent.
Lange gets the big close-up moments, which give you time to examine her suspiciously smooth, tight face; Bates provides a touch of humour and colour; and Allen is pitch-perfect as the most dedicated Mormon of the three.
Bonneville tries hard to say something but there's little real drama and it's hard to take away anything memorable from this sentimental, predictable film. At least mum enjoyed the outing.
Cast: Jessica Lange, Joan Allen, Kathy Bates, Christine Baranski, Tom Wopat
Director: Christopher N. Rowley
Running Time: 93 mins
Rating: PG (adult themes)
Screening: SkyCity, Hoyts, Berkeley, Bridgeway Cinemas
Verdict: Means well but delivers little
