THUNDER ROAD (2018)

Written & Directed By: Jim Cummings 
Cinematography By: Lowell A. Mayer 
Editor: Jim Cummings & Brian Vannucci 

Cast: Jim Cummings, Nican Robinson, Kendal Farr, Chelesa Edmundson, Macon Blair, Jocelyn DeBoer, Ammie Leonards 


A police officer faces a personal meltdown following a divorce and the death of his mother.

Truthfully this is one of those films that feels like a gift. As it feels like it came out of nowhere and just knocks it out of the park. As it plays at first more like a comedy bit has a very serious side to it.

That takes tragedy at times and manages to turn it around even if it has a sorrowful cloud that hangs over it. It also allows for simple pleasures that also manage to surprise you with it’s presentation and showcase of humanity.

This film started out as an acclaimed short film. That has been adapted to feature length by star and writer director Jim Cummings

The short originally was the scene that begins the film about a cop who is at his mother’s funeral and tries to sing and perform her favorite song after an emotional and awkward eulogy. The film continues that kind of surprising awkwardness and uncomfortable emotions. As he slowly seems to have a handle on Things but then also slowly breaks Down unraveling. Noting and noticing his mistakes and punishing himself as he tries to make things right.

This film is emotionally relevant as in a great breakdown tragic scene there will be some comedy or something comedic to help push it through. Never breaking the tone that feels natural not obvious, just for a joke or some kind of relief.

A major focus of the film is just him trying to be a better parent. Where it seems like many of his decisions his heart is in the right place but they come off as wrong.

The power of this film Is in the details. Even the supporting characters who at first seem one note or will only be around briefly are built up as the story goes along. So that we learn more about them and their character. While we also learn of their history with the main character.

While the film is funny it’s also a sad movie at times melancholy, but tired to show a bright side or show that hardships are part of life. As the lead character isn’t noble not all that smart, but is usually truthful and emotional. He seems Like a character out of a Danny McBride and Jody Hill comedy. At first a bombastic know it all loud moth and then slowly show depth as he constantly keeps failing and his life seems to fall apart.

The film so a perfect length it never overstays it’s Welcome and wraps itself up just at the right time even if By the end things seem a little convenient. It manages to say so much with a small simple story in approach and performance.

The film Made back its $200,000 budget and then some in its first week playing in 67 theaters in France where it was a sleeper hit.

Noted short film director should definitely check out the original short as well. As his other short films especially THE ROBBERY


GRADE: B+