Running on Empty

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Running on Empty

84% Liked It
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Running on Empty

Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Arby, Martha Plimpton

In 1971, Arthur and Annie Pope blew up a napalm lab to protest the war... Ever since then they have been on the run from the FBI. They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.

Id: 10902526

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Recent Reviews

Running on Empty Recent Reviews
  • 76Majikat
    August 10, 2009
    76Majikat
    An interesting storyline, but one that perhaps lacks in excitement. Enjoyable performances by both River Phoenix and Christine Lahti.

    Conventional versus unconventional in this free spirited plot stooped in irony.
  • thmtsang
    March 24, 2008
    thmtsang
    Movie about a family on the run from the police. It makes me cry. It also has one of my favourite songs - Fire and Rain (James Taylor)
  • garyX
    February 27, 2007
    garyX
    Rather dreary and soapy family melodrama, really only of interest because of the presence of the late River Phoenix.
  • RiderOfTheStorms
    February 5, 2007
    RiderOfTheStorms
    very good family drama.
  • johnattridge
    July 15, 2008
    johnattridge
    Sidney Lumet's 'Running on Empty' is a drama where characters are slowly forced to turn around and look at themselves; these characters pass judgements on others, ignore their own flaws or brush off self-reflection altogether, but now decisions have to be made where others needs ...( read more)are more important than their own.

    Annie and Arthur Pope have been on the run for over fourteen years. When they were young they had ideas and opinions, and resisted and opposed authority. Not believing in the causes of the Vietnam War, they blew up a weapons laboratory, not knowing someone was inside. That person never died, but was blinded and paralysed. And so they run, constantly moving and changing identities, along with their two sons, Harry and Danny. But they are haunted by their past, and especially how it will come to affect their children's lives.

    A large part of Danny's life is music. It is an outlet in which he can be normal, in which he can escape his lie and his running. When he plays music, he is simply a kid with an interest, although as the film unfolds it becomes clear it is more than a mere interest. His teacher recognises his talent and urges him to apply to college; as his music and situation begin to merge an impossible decision has to be made, and it is almost unbearable to watch someone choose between their family and a future.

    Lumet's direction is never glossy or elaborate, but sensible, reserved and impressive. Characters frequently appear as the camera pans sideways to emphasise how they struggle to connect with each other; Annie makes an effort to hug and kiss her kids, and the family party in a hippie and eccentric style, but rarely do they talk seriously. Danny understandably struggles when he meets and falls for his music teacher's daughter, Lorna, but eventually we realise sometimes things don't need to be spoken if they are mutually understood.

    River Phoenix is superb at playing an introverted and quiet character who sees more of himself in his parents than he likes to let on, delivering a mature and strong performance. Martha Plimpton is adequate, and Judd Hirsch brilliant despite his lesser role, but Christine Lahti's performance dominates the screen; her few scattered scenes build to a climax where she confronts herself on past mistakes, and finally learns to free her son from her misjudgement, and her acting is subtle but impressionable, and moving without being squeamish.

    Lumet has successfully put together a poignant drama where the relationships, dialogue and situations all ring true to reality. He discards the Hollywood rule book and doesn't indulge in clichés, but lets matters unravel to a point where all the details that seemed so important, names, histories, birthday presents or even rebellion actually matter very little. Doing what is right isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
  • isabelleweber1
    November 14, 2009
    isabelleweber1
    Lindo filme do Sidney Lumet, River Phoenix atuando maravilhosamente bem.
  • rajiv23gooners
    August 3, 2009
    rajiv23gooners
    very touching movie.,
    what really moves me is when people act unselfishly, just like the characters in this movie, they make a lot of sacrifice.,
    this is a very good drama, with good screenplay and good acting.,
    the plot of this movie may be melodramatic, but sidney lumet somehow...( read more) makes it more real, great job by lumet, he is a really good director, one of the best today..
  • hypathio7
    May 27, 2009
    hypathio7
    nominated for best picture by NBR and the golden globes
  • raylenec2
    May 22, 2009
    raylenec2
    The best movie ever made.
  • XxXrandomBLAHchickaXxX
    March 31, 2009
    XxXrandomBLAHchickaXxX
    Aww.
    I love this movie.
    Its great.
    =].
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