Road to Paloma (2014)

I discovered Road to Paloma months ago thanks to Margaret from Cinematic Corner and her obsession with/love for Jason Momoa (and who can blame her, I mean, have you seen him? He is a freaking god), and since I'm an awesome human being, I checked it out. 

The film, directed, produced, co-written by and starring Jason Momoa (apparently, he is no one trick pony), follows Wolf (Jason Momoa), a Native American on the run after murdering his mother's murder. As he flees across the desolate American West on his motorcycle, he crosses paths with Cash (Robert Mollohan), a down on his luck musician who is coping with the end of his marriage, and an unlikely friendship develops as they ride together towards the Teton mountain range so that Wolf can spread his mother's ashes.

Unfortunately, the plot turned out to be not even nearly as interesting as it sounds as I found it to be quite tedious and unengaging. The problem is that at some point, there's absolutely no plot here as if Momoa completely forgot he was supposed to tell a story and it's a shame because the storyline was quite promising.

Same goes for the characters, they just aren't that compelling nor developed, especially Wolf who we barely get to know. Which, again, is a shame as Jason Momoa gives a pretty good performance, being not only the tough guy we are used to seeing but also showing a softer, more tender side. He makes Wolf quite likeable and it's very easy to empathize with him. However, the standout for me was Robert Mollohan who makes the character of Cash, just as underdeveloped as Momoa's, believable.

Anchor Bay Entertainment, WWE Studios

There are some aspects of Road to Paloma that are pretty darn good though. In fact, while the screenplay isn't particularly strong, the film is visually gorgeous. Nature and landscapes are beautifully shot. This film really captures the beauty of those places and through them conveys freedom. Also, the use of natural light is divine. And there's a wonderful use of music too.

4 comments :

  1. I keep forgetting who this guy is...sorry but too steroid beefcake for me. The film sounded excellent until you mentioned how the writing let the film down. It is often the writer that must make a good film. Oh well....

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    1. Haha you're not the only one who doesn't like him

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  2. Oh no! I wish you liked it more but I'm glad you saw it. I thought for first director job Jason did beautifully. Also huge respect for him for choosing this particular subject and shine light on it

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    1. Yes, the subject was good. And he didn't do terrible considering this is his first director job.

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