Unexpected Life Lessons From a Quirky Comedy

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Running on Empty
–

Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Daniel André
Writer(s): Daniel André
Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Lucy Hale, Francesca Eastwood, Rhys Coiro, Jay Pharoah, Dustin Milligan, Dylan Flashner, Lisa Yaro, Monica Potter, Jim Gaffigan
Where To Watch: opens in select theaters on August 9, 2024, and VOD nationwide in the US/ Canada on August 27

RAVING REVIEW: RUNNING ON EMPTY offers a fresh perspective on the landscape of romantic comedies. Under Daniel André's creative direction, the film cleverly navigates between humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing life through Mortimer’s “Mort” unconventional quest for meaning.

Mort’s adventures unfold against the colorful backdrop of California's San Fernando Valley, where Keir Gilchrist brilliantly portrays this journey from monotony to revelation. The film is enriched by the diverse talents of Lucy Hale as Kate and Jim Gaffigan’s Barry, who bring authenticity and heart to their roles, further enhancing the narrative.

André's unique directorial vision infuses the film with layers of cultural introspection and celebration, inspired by the notion of "adventure funerals." This concept adds originality to the film and invites the audience to a vivid narrative experience, balanced skillfully with sharp wit and emotional depth through dynamic cinematography and scripting. The film takes place in a slightly different reality, where people can find out how long they have left to live. While this sounds like a pretty jarring premise, the film surprisingly makes it fit.

RUNNING ON EMPTY also delves into the evolving dynamics of family relationships, mainly how Mort’s newfound perspective influences his interactions with family members. This subplot deepens the narrative, providing a closer look at how existential revelations can alter personal relationships and family dynamics, adding layers to Mortimer's character development.

The unique concept of RUNNING ON EMPTY dives into an intriguing scenario where the protagonist is made aware of the exact time he has left to live. This revelation sparks a transformative journey, pushing him to reevaluate his priorities and explore life’s possibilities with newfound urgency. The film cleverly uses this premise to weave together themes of mortality, ambition, and redemption, presenting these heavy subjects with a light touch that invites viewers to reflect on their lives.

RUNNING ON EMPTY ambitiously tries to blend philosophical reflections with comedic elements, sometimes misbalancing the tone, which might leave specific viewers feeling inconsistent pacing or emotionally mismatched. However, the overarching message—embracing life's fleeting moments—resonates deeply, anchored by solid performances and thoughtful direction.

The on-screen chemistry of Gilchrist and Hale sell the film. At the same time, Francesca Eastwood, as Nicole, portrays a fantastic stereotype that fits the larger setting of the film, proving that different people have different priorities.

André's background in film and media, marked by an appetite for exploring unconventional stories, fuels this project. His approach not only pays tribute to the influential cinema of the past but also aims to leave a lasting impact beyond the conventional boundaries of genre. While not entirely groundbreaking, the film offers enough unique twists and turns to satisfy most looking for a relatable rom-com. The ending left me surprised but not surprised simultaneously; I wasn’t expecting what I expected!

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.