Elizabethtown (2005)
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28% of critics liked it
(169 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(332,365 ratings)
A young man in need of a fresh start gets one under highly unexpected circumstances in this emotionally resonant comedy drama from writer and director Cameron Crowe. Drew Baylor (Orlando Bloom) is considered the big success story in his family, having moved away from the small Kentucky town where he… More A young man in need of a fresh start gets one under highly unexpected circumstances in this emotionally resonant comedy drama from writer and director Cameron Crowe. Drew Baylor (Orlando Bloom) is considered the big success story in his family, having moved away from the small Kentucky town where he was born to California, where he works as a designer for Mercury, the nation's biggest athletic shoe company. But success has begun to elude Drew -- his most recent design was a resounding flop that has cost him his job, and his girlfriend, Ellen (Jessica Biel), has given him his walking papers. Drew is contemplating suicide when he gets word that his father has died, and that he's needed back home in Elizabethtown, KY, to help organize the funeral. With his mother, Hollie (Susan Sarandon), deep in denial about her husband's passing, Drew comes home to discover no one knows about his recent poor fortune, and he's greeted like a conquering hero. As Drew reconnects with his family and helps his sister, Heather (Judy Greer), look after Hollie, Drew gets a new lease on life and is reminded about what's really important to him. Helping him learn these valuable lessons is Claire Colburn (Kirsten Dunst), a pretty and optimistic flight attendant Drew meets on his flight home who has her own philosophies about positive thinking and the curative powers of travel. Elizabethtown also stars Alec Baldwin, Paul Schneider, Bruce McGill, Loudon Wainwright III, and Paula Deen. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Cameron Crowe
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Oct 14, 2005 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
Critic Reviews
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J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
The hero's nuclear family and kooky rural relatives are so sketchily conceived that none of the intended comedy works, and the balance of the movie is given over to one of Crowe's sugary romances.
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Christy Lemire, Associated Press
So curious, and such a disappointment.
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Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Crowe's capable of much better than this; let's hope he gets back on track with the next one.
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Dave Calhoun, Time Out
The entire enterprise smacks of wish-fulfilment provoked by middle-age male guilt. Uplifting, it most certainly ain't.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
The film's problems lie with the lack of spark between a wired Dunst and a bland Bloom.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Orlando Bloom
as Drew Baylor
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Kirsten Dunst
as Claire Colborn
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Susan Sarandon
as Hollie Baylor
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Judy Greer
as Heather Baylor
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Jessica Biel
as Ellen Kishmore
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Alec Baldwin
as Phil
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Paul Schneider
as Jessie Baylor
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Loudon Wainwright III
as Uncle Dale
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Paula Deen
as Aunt Dora
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Bruce McGill
as Bill Banyon
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Emily Rutherfurd
as Cindy
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Gailard Sartain
as Charles
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Allison Munn
as Charlotte
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Ted Manson
as Sad Joe
- Dena DeCola
- Jed Rees
- Loudon Wainwright




