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The Open Road
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The Open Road
Promotional film poster
Directed byMichael Meredith
Written byMichael Meredith
Produced byJordan Foley
Laurie Foxx
Charlie Mason
Michael Meredith
Justin Moore-Lewy
David Schiff
StarringJeff Bridges
Justin Timberlake
Kate Mara
Harry Dean Stanton
Lyle Lovett
Mary Steenburgen
CinematographyYaron Orbach
Edited bySuzy Elmiger
Music byChristopher Lennertz
Charlie Sexton
Production
companies
OddLot Entertainment
Heavy Lifting
Perfect Weekend
Aqua Foxx Productions
Maximon Pictures
Distributed byAnchor Bay Entertainment
Release date
  • August 28, 2009 (2009-08-28)
Running time
90 minutes
91 minutes (Germany)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Open Road is a 2009 comedy-drama film written and directed by Michael Meredith. It stars Justin Timberlake, Kate Mara, Jeff Bridges, and Mary Steenburgen and was produced by Anchor Bay Entertainment. Country singer Lyle Lovett and Harry Dean Stanton are also among the cast.[1] Wim Wenders served as an executive producer.

Filming began in Hammond, Louisiana in February 2008, and continued in Memphis, Tennessee, at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas, Houston, Texas and elsewhere in the southern United States.[2] The film received a limited release on August 28, 2009.

Plot

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Carlton Garrett is the adult son of baseball legend Kyle Garrett and a minor-league baseball player with the Corpus Christi, Texas Hooks. One night, after another game in which he continues to slump at the plate, Carlton gets a phone call from his grandfather Amon, who tells him that Carlton's mother, Katherine has fallen ill and is at the hospital. Katherine requires a surgery that the doctors recommend; however, she refuses to sign the waiver until Kyle comes to visit her. After Carlton agrees to find his estranged father, together with his ex-girlfriend Lucy, the two of them fly to Columbus, Ohio to break the news to Kyle, who is there for an autograph signing and doesn't have a cell phone.

After a tense meeting, in which it's revealed that Carlton and Kyle haven't seen or spoken to each other in five years, Kyle agrees to fly to Texas to see Katherine with his son and Lucy. The next morning, while preparing to get through airport security, Kyle realizes that he's lost his wallet and hence his identification, therefore he's not allowed to board the flight. Lucy suggests that the three of them rent a car and drive. While at a gas station one evening, Kyle asks Lucy to bring him his bag which contain painkillers for his various aches. Lucy notices Kyle's wallet in the bag, revealing that Kyle intentionally misplaced his wallet in hopes of not having to get on the plane and thus not make the trip; Lucy keeps this discovery a secret from Carlton.

As the trip progresses, Carlton and Kyle attempt to piece-together their fragile relationship. Also, Lucy tells Carlton that another man has proposed to her but she hasn't yet accepted; this creates a tension between the two, as their love towards each other remains. Many delays occur, as Kyle becomes increasingly anxious about seeing Katherine and becomes more and more unreliable. He seems to make up for this, however, when he tells Carlton and Lucy that he knows someone who works at the Memphis airport who can get him through security without I.D. While waiting for their flight, Kyle tells Carlton that the employee he knows doesn't exist and it was a cover-up story. Carlton realizes that Kyle has had his wallet the entire time and has purposely been delaying the trip. He angrily storms off to talk to Lucy, leaving Kyle unattended. After an argument with Lucy, whom he finds out knew about the wallet the whole time, he returns to where Kyle was sitting to find him missing. During the fight, Lucy referred to her boyfriend as her fiance. Carlton and Lucy get on the flight anyway and Carlton exits the flight to look for his father but not before telling Lucy that if he doesn't come back before takeoff, to get off the plane. Mad at Carlton and their argument, Lucy decides to stay on the plane anyway and she flies home; Carlton is also unsuccessful in finding Kyle. Carlton calls Katherine and she tells him that if his father is anywhere in Memphis, he'd be at the Peabody Hotel downtown.

When Carlton arrives, he finds out from the front desk that no one by the name of Kyle Garrett has checked in. Tired at this point, Carlton takes a room for the night. Later that evening, he has a conversation with the hotel bartender, who tells him that Kyle is indeed staying in the hotel under an alias. Furious, Carlton confronts Kyle. After forcing himself in, Carlton and Kyle wrestle each other to the ground, where Kyle tells Carlton that he loves Katherine but loves himself even more. Soon Kyle agrees to continue with the trip. The next day Carlton gets a phone call: Katherine has gotten an infection and the doctors have been forced to operate earlier than expected.

Carlton, Kyle, Amon and Carlton's grandmother Virge wait anxiously in the hospital waiting room. Soon Lucy shows up and she and Carlton reconcile. The doctor comes out and tells the family that the operation was a success. The next morning, while still at the hospital, Carlton tells Lucy that he's quitting baseball to focus on becoming a writer and Lucy tells Carlton that the boyfriend isn't really a fiance and she "doesn't know why she said that", which implies that they have gotten back together. Carlton drives Kyle to the airport, where Kyle agrees to come visit on New Year's and Carlton agrees to visit Kyle for Christmas. The ending scene shows Carlton clearing out his baseball locker and walking to his vehicle, where Lucy is waiting for him. The two drive off together.

Cast

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Reception

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According to Rotten Tomatoes, two of the seven critiques, or 29%, are highly rated, with an average score of 4.66 out of 10.[3] According to Metacritic, of the four critiques, one is positive, three are mixed, and no negative reviewers are made, with an average score of 47 out of 100.[4]

References

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The Open Road

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Open Road is a 2009 American comedy-drama road film written and directed by Michael Meredith in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Justin Timberlake as Carlton Garrett, a minor league baseball player who embarks on a road trip with his girlfriend Lucy (Kate Mara) to reunite with his estranged father, former baseball star Kyle Garrett (Jeff Bridges), after his mother (Mary Steenburgen) falls seriously ill. It explores themes of family reconciliation and personal growth during the journey. The film was released in the United States on , 2009, in a .

Narrative and characters

Plot summary

The Open Road centers on Carlton Garrett, a struggling player based in , who receives urgent news from his grandfather that his mother, , is facing a life-threatening illness and insists on the presence of her estranged husband, Kyle, before undergoing necessary surgery. Carlton, accompanied by his close friend and ex-girlfriend Lucy, travels to to locate Kyle, a once-celebrated star now living a nomadic, alcohol-fueled existence. Reluctantly agreeing to join, Kyle sets off with Carlton and on a from to , where Katherine awaits treatment, navigating the open highways through the American South. The journey includes key stops at roadside motels and a visit to a local stadium, where father and son confront their shared history in the sport that defined their lives and underscores themes of personal failure and the possibility of redemption. Along the way, encounters with locals and the confined space of the car amplify the central conflict between Carlton and Kyle, rooted in years of abandonment and unmet expectations, as Katherine's illness adds urgency to their reconciliation efforts. Lucy plays a crucial role in mediating these emotional confrontations, drawing on her longstanding friendship with Carlton to encourage vulnerability and bridge the generational divide, while also navigating her own unresolved feelings toward him. As the trio progresses toward , the road trip becomes a catalyst for family healing, with serving as a persistent metaphor for strikes and second chances in their fractured relationships.

Cast and characters

The principal cast of The Open Road features as Carlton Garrett, a minor league player grappling with the emotional fallout from his father's absence, driven by a desire for family reconciliation. portrays Kyle Garrett, Carlton's estranged father and a legendary former star known for his unreliable and hard-drinking nature, which conceals deeper vulnerabilities beneath a gruff demeanor. plays Lucy, Carlton's supportive ex-girlfriend who serves as an emotional anchor, mediating tensions during their journey. Supporting roles include as Katherine, Kyle's partner and Carlton's mother, whose emotional ties to her past influence family dynamics, and as the Coach, providing guidance in Carlton's world. appears in a notable cameo as Amon, Carlton's grandfather, whose subplot involvement adds layers to the theme of generational estrangement through subtle familial insights. Carlton's arc centers on his internal struggles with abandonment, as he navigates resentment toward his father while seeking personal growth amid professional setbacks in . Kyle's character reveals a facade of bravado masking and isolation from his celebrated career, with his interactions highlighting a quest for redemption. Lucy's role emphasizes her as a mediator, offering stability and encouragement that helps bridge the generational and emotional gaps in the Garrett family.

Production

Development and writing

Michael Meredith, marking a significant step in his filmmaking career following collaborations with director , wrote and directed The Open Road as his second . The script drew inspiration from Meredith's personal experiences, including his childhood marked by frequent moves across the U.S. and a lifelong fascination with road travel, which shaped the film's central motif of a journey toward reconciliation. Additionally, the story's exploration of father-son dynamics in the world of sports was partly influenced by Meredith's relationship with his father, former quarterback . The screenplay's development began with an initial draft conceptualized as a modern adaptation of Don Quixote, emphasizing themes of idealism and quest. Meredith subsequently revised it to ground the story in a Texas setting, incorporating elements of minor league baseball to enhance authenticity and reflect the characters' emotional landscapes. These changes were informed by Meredith's vision of blending personal introspection with the freedom of the open road, drawing from his earlier work on road-themed projects under Wenders' guidance. Principal photography commenced in February 2008. Securing independent funding proved crucial during , with producers Charlie Mason and Justin Moore-Lewy leading efforts through their company Perfect Weekend, alongside Meredith and Foley via Maximon Pictures. Additional backing came from Laurie Foxx, David Schiff, and executive producers including Wenders and representatives from Odd Lot Entertainment, such as and Deborah Del Prete, enabling the low-budget independent production to move forward. This collaborative financing structure, typical for indie films, supported the project's intimate scale without major studio involvement. Early casting decisions anchored the film's emotional core, with Jeff Bridges attaching first to portray the estranged father, Kyle Garrett, drawn to the role's depth through a personal letter from executive producer Wenders highlighting its redemptive arc. Bridges' involvement lent gravitas to the father-son dynamic, aligning with Meredith's intent to explore complex familial bonds. Subsequently, Justin Timberlake was cast as the son, Carlton Garrett. Other key attachments, such as Mary Steenburgen, Lyle Lovett, and Harry Dean Stanton, followed through industry connections, solidifying the ensemble before filming began.

Filming and locations

Principal photography for The Open Road commenced in February 2008 in , and wrapped later that spring after 27 days of shooting across multiple Southern states. The production team coordinated a tight schedule to capture the film's narrative, moving between locations to simulate the journey from to as depicted in the story. Key filming sites included Hammond and Baton Rouge in , which stood in for the opening scenes set in Carlton's hometown, providing rural and urban backdrops for family interactions. Road trip sequences were shot along highways and small towns in , evoking the Midwest passages in the script. The climax, centered on fields and motels, was primarily filmed at in —the home stadium of the minor league —along with additional scenes in , . These choices allowed for authentic integration of elements while leveraging accessible Southern venues. The production encountered logistical hurdles, particularly in arranging cameos and access with the Hooks organization for the sequences, which required precise timing around the team's schedule to maintain realism. Weather variability in the Gulf Coast region also caused minor delays during outdoor driving and stadium shoots, prompting adjustments to the itinerary. To enhance the improvisational feel of the road journey, director Michael Meredith opted for handheld cinematography in many travel scenes. , including , was handled in to refine the film's pacing and thematic emphasis on familial reconciliation amid motion.

Release

Premiere and distribution

The Open Road had its world premiere at the International in June 2009. International sales for the film were handled by The Exchange, with activity centered around the in November 2008. In May 2009, Anchor Bay Films acquired North American theatrical and distribution rights from producers Odd Lot Entertainment and Perfect Weekend. The film received a limited U.S. theatrical release on August 28, 2009, opening in 14 theaters. As a modestly budgeted independent production with a $10 million budget, its rollout emphasized targeted promotion through trailers that highlighted the star power of leads and to appeal to audiences interested in sports dramas.

Box office and home media

The Open Road had a in the United States on August 28, 2009, distributed by Anchor Bay Films. It debuted across 14 screens, generating $13,323 in its opening weekend. The film concluded its domestic run with a total gross of $19,716, and no substantial international earnings were recorded. This underwhelming result stemmed from the film's restricted theatrical footprint and stiff competition from high-profile 2009 summer releases, including , which opened two weeks earlier and amassed over $77 million domestically. With an estimated of $10 million, the movie failed to via theaters alone. Anchor Bay Home Entertainment issued the film on DVD and Blu-ray on November 17, 2009. These editions featured supplemental materials such as an audio commentary by director Michael Meredith and actor , a , and the theatrical trailer. Digital distribution followed, with streaming access on beginning around 2012 and subsequent availability on platforms like , , , and Plex. options for rental or purchase are offered through services including at Home and .

Reception

Critical response

The Open Road received mixed reviews from critics, with praise centered on the performances of its leads amid broader complaints about the film's formulaic narrative and lack of innovation. On , the film holds a 29% approval rating based on seven reviews, reflecting a general consensus that it adheres too closely to tropes without sufficient freshness. Similarly, assigns it a score of 47 out of 100, derived from four critic reviews, categorized as mixed or average. Critics frequently highlighted Jeff Bridges' portrayal of the estranged father Kyle Garrett as a standout, noting its nuance in depicting a flawed yet charismatic figure grappling with personal demons. Variety's Joe Leydon commended Bridges (alongside Justin Timberlake) for delivering strong performances that lend emotional weight to the father-son reconciliation at the story's core, describing the film as "surprisingly involving" despite its predictability. The Los Angeles Times echoed this, praising Bridges for making the journey "worth the trip" through his effortless charisma, which elevates the low-key road trip vibe into something heartfelt and engaging. However, many reviewers criticized the film for its lack of originality and predictable plotting, likening it to a made-for-television rather than a compelling cinematic experience. labeled it a "dreary dramedy" that fails to transcend familiar estranged-family-on-the-road clichés, with the screenplay feeling underdeveloped and the pacing sluggish. The aggregate critic consensus further underscores this, calling it "watchable but too slow-moving -- and far too predictable -- to be entirely engaging," a sentiment shared across reviews that faulted director Michael Meredith for not injecting enough vitality into the proceedings.

Audience reception

Audience reception to The Open Road has been generally mixed, with viewers appreciating its heartfelt exploration of family reconciliation while critiquing its deliberate pace and uneven subplots. On , the film holds an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from over 3,800 users, who frequently commended the emotional resonance of the father-son dynamics and ' engaging portrayal of the estranged patriarch. Similarly, on , it averages 2.9 out of 5 based on approximately 760 ratings, reflecting a niche but divided fanbase. Common sentiments among fans highlight the film's baseball motifs as a poignant for personal growth and legacy, particularly resonating with enthusiasts who value the authentic minor-league setting and its ties to themes of ambition and failure. However, many expressed frustration with the slow pacing, describing it as plodding and lacking momentum, alongside complaints that the romance subplot between Justin Timberlake's character and Kate Mara's felt underdeveloped and lacked convincing chemistry. In the years following its release, The Open Road has cultivated a modest through home media availability, often cited in online discussions as an underrated entry in Timberlake's dramatic . Forums like feature sporadic mentions praising its low-key charm and Bridges' charisma, positioning it as a for those seeking introspective road-trip narratives over high-stakes action. The film appeals more strongly to older audiences drawn to Bridges' veteran presence and the mature handling of familial bonds, while younger viewers have noted disappointment in the absence of faster-paced elements.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007018/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/open_road
  3. https://insidepulse.com/2009/12/02/the-open-road-dvd-review/
  4. https://www.flickfeast.co.uk/reviews/dvd-reviews/open-road-2009/
  5. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-31-et-open-road31-story.html
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007018/fullcredits/
  7. https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/production-report-birthday-open-road-skateland-testament-when-i-was-dead-247454/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580618/
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007018/trivia
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007018/locations/
  11. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/movies_tv/justin-timberlakes-the-open-road-shot-in-louisiana-lands-on-dvd-today/article_6f161ed8-a169-5e75-b6eb-81585e7ad06d.html
  12. https://www.facebook.com/cchooks/posts/did-you-know-justin-timberlake-starred-as-a-hooks-player-in-the-2009-film-the-op/10160012601764552/
  13. https://variety.com/2009/film/features/munich-fest-highlights-1118005183/
  14. https://www.theexchange.ws/about-us/team/nat-mccormick/
  15. https://www.screendaily.com/news/anchor-bay-takes-us-rights-to-the-open-road/5000928.article
  16. https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/anchor-bay-hits-road-with-timberlake-246897/
  17. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Open-Road-The
  18. https://variety.com/2009/film/box-office/hippies-face-horror-at-weekend-b-o-1118007844/
  19. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4016473601/
  20. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/season/summer/2009/
  21. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Open-Road-Blu-ray/7096/
  22. http://dvdcompare.net/review.php?rid=1402
  23. https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/39890/open-road-the/
  24. https://reelgood.com/movie/the-open-road-2009
  25. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-open-road
  26. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-open-road/
  27. https://variety.com/2009/film/reviews/the-open-road-1200475484/
  28. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/open-road-film-review-93448/
  29. https://letterboxd.com/film/the-open-road/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007018/reviews/
  31. https://www.cinemablend.com/streaming-news/best-justin-timberlake-movies
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