Danielle Solzman
Led by Jason Mantzoukas and Tony Revolori, The Long Dumb Road is able to bring back the road trip comedy with a fun and unique vision.
Incoming college freshman Nat (Tony Revolori) and 30-something mechanic Richard (Jason Mantzoukas) are at two very different points in their life. Both of them are at different points in their life when they first meet. Together, the two of them go on quite the journey–no pun intended. The summer before heading to college makes for some fascinating crossroads. Many films have been made from this time in one’s life–none more important than that of George Lucas’ classic, American Graffiti.
What brings Nat on his journey is a place waiting for the photographer at a Los Angeles art school. Richard is still living in the past but afraid to call anywhere his home. Their lives intersect when Nat’s car breaks down, requiring a visit to the mechanic. As a token of his goodwill, Nat gives Richard a ride to the next town. Things could end there but Richard decides to stay along for the ride. Soon, the two are off into New Mexico and Arizona.
On the way to Los Angeles, they even stop by Stacey’s (Casey Wilson) place. The high school reunion soon becomes short-lived. Romance comes by way of sisters Nina (Grace Gummer) and Rebecca (Taissa Farmiga). Danger comes in the form of Francois (Ron Livingston). Nobody said traveling the American Southwest would be easy!
Over the years, we’ve seen many different duos grace the screen. Many of them have reached the status of being comedy legends. Whether we’ll say the same of Mantzoukas and Revelori in the future is still to be determined. If this film is any indication, maybe some additional pairing are in their future. They’ve been given some strong material from screenwriters Hannah Fidell and Carson Mell. This is what makes the film all the more fascinating. This is the type of film that you would expect to come from a male director! If it has yet to be said that women can direct bromantic comedies, let it be said that yes, we can!
This one of those films that has been on my list since it was for announced to premiere during Sundance. I’m especially happy to say that the comedy lives up to the hype. When a cast of this kind is headlining a film, my interest is immediately piqued. Regarding the cast, I’m always happy to see the Happy Endings star get some more work. This being said, I would love to see her take on a bigger role.
Given their very different personalities, The Long Dumb Road‘s Richard and Nat could give Planes, Trains, and Automobiles‘ Neal and Del a run for their money.
DIRECTOR: Hannah Fidell
SCREENWRITERS: Hannah Fidell & Carson Mell
CAST: Jason Mantzoukas, Tony Revolori, Grace Gummer, Taissa Farmiga, Casey Wilson, Ciara Bravo, with Pamela Reed and Ron Livingston
