283. Thunder Road; movie review

THUNDER ROAD
Cert 15
90 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language

Let's be honest - I didn't get Thunder Road or understand whatever message Jim Cummings is trying to convey.
Nevertheless, I have to admire his pluck at not only writing, producing and starring in his movie but also taking control of its distribution.
Thunder Road is based on a short film which received critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016.
Cummings crowdfunded a feature at a cost of just $200,000 and looked for a global partner to distribute the movie.
However, only after it took off in France, where it had again pleased festival-goers, did he know he was on to a winner.
So, what tickled the fancy of the French?
Is it Cummings' meltdowns as police officer Jim Arnaud, a man who cares so deeply for job and daughter (Kendal Farr)  that he is sent off the rails? Or is it the supposed comedy?
The movie begins with Arnaud's bizarre meandering eulogy at his mother's funeral.
That sets the tone for similar scenes with his ex-wife (Chelsea Edmundson), his daughter's teacher and even during police operation tantrums.
He becomes a danger to himself and those around him but, apparently, the audience still knows that his heart is in the right place.
Nican Robinson plays Nate, Arnaud's partner, who spends most of the film trying to either get him to calm down or see reason.
Too often Arnaud lets him down by dramatically going off on one.
He also loses it after being called into his daughter's school to discuss her behaviour.
I don't know whether this is meant to be funny or Cummings is trying to highlight the mental trauma which some police officers may face.
Or is it a movie about general mental health.
Either way, it really it doesn't strike home. Well, not in my eyes - indeed, I found it self-indulgent and irritating. By the evidence of its many awards, plenty of others seem to disagree.

Reasons to watch: It certainly is an offbeat comedy
Reasons to avoid: It needs a very particular humour to enjoy it

Laughs: None for me
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 3.5/10

Did you know? Thunder Road is a follow-up to a short film of the same name which was shot in one continuous take and was financed through Kickstarter.

The final word. Jim Cummings: "Everybody talks about making movies, nobody actually makes them. The vast majority of Hollywood has never edited a YouTube video before. I think if we just start, something will come of it." Esquire

Share this post