MakeBelieve63 I too was taken in by the lack of attendance for the film at the theatres. I saw it when it was released, and then on Netflix several times, and now I have purchased six copies for gifts. The story hits so many points with life in general and any one can relate to something in the movie.www.authordebbiefogle.com

id247 I have to admit I have a soft spot for road movies, Vanishing Point, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Duel, The Road Warrior (Max Max 2), Paris Texas, The Hitcher (original), Cold Fever, The Straight Story, The World's Fastest Indian, and others that have escaped my mind for now, well to that list, you can now add Bonneville.It's lightweight entertainment compared to those films above, but for anyone who has been on a cross-country trek, by car or by hitchhiking, then this film is for you.The three leads are terrific, Jessica Lange, Joan Allen and Kathy Bates, ably supported by Tom Skerrit, the landscapes are wonderful and by the end of this film I had a large smile on my face.Heartwarming and life-affirming, I recommend this film.

TxMike This movie plays out as a road trip for 3 women from Idaho who are good friends, but the core of the story is how one woman handles the loss of her husband of 20 years, with conflicting motives for his remains.Jessica Lange is Arvilla, she is the second wife. Her husband's body has just been cremated as Christine Baranski as her husband's deceased daughter Francine shows up. Francine feels very strongly that her dad's ashes belong in California along with her mother's remains.But Arvilla reminds Francine (no love there between the two) that his wishes were to remain with Arvilla, who cannot bear the thought of him ending up near Francine's mother. Surely it is spelled out in the will.But there is no will, seems he never got around to writing a new one, and the only valid will has him not only being with his first wife, but also giving the house to Francine. Because it was made before he and Arvilla ever became a couple.But Francine, in her "generosity", will allow Arvilla to keep the home in Idaho if she will get the ashes to California for the memorial service.Kathy Bates as Margene and Joan Allen as Carol agree to go along for moral support, they were all to fly from Salt Lake City, but Arvilla has a change of plans -- they will drive there in the 1966 Bonneville that was her husband's pride possession.Along the way Arvilla stops off at various places that had special meaning to her and her deceased husband. Each time she scatters a little bit of his ashes, I suppose figuring that Francine didn't need all of the ashes. Along the way they also meet up with some characters. Tom Skerritt is Emmett, the trucker, he and Margene seem to hit it off. Young Victor Rasuk is Bo Douglas, working his way to New Mexico to find his father.A decently entertaining movie. Good actors.SPOILERS: As it turns out Arvilla scatters all of his ashes, but quick-thinking and practical Carol scoops up some ashes from a campfire. Although late for the service they finally show up, but a trip-up causes the urn to fall to the floor and shatter, scattering ashes everywhere, including the beer bottle cap. Busted!! But in the end Arvilla knew she did what she had to do, and if she lost her house she would make out OK with friends like Carol and Margene. Or, it may be a good use for the $176,000 that Carol guiltily won in the Vegas slot machine, from tokens given to her by a hooker when her 'john' showed up.

valnj It seems like quite some time since a refreshing film like Bonneville has hit the big screen. The film was one in which longtime friendships and healthy romantic relationships were valued. Bonneville also reminds the audience about the importance of keeping one's word (in this case a promise of a wife to her now deceased husband) to another human being.In addition to the morality evoked, Kathy Bates, Joan Allen and Tom Skerritt create wonderful, sympathetic characters. As usual, Kathy Bates does not disappoint the audience with her perfect comedic timing.The scenery is also reflective of the beautiful country in which we live - a real treat, especially for those who haven't had the opportunity to travel out West.Go see it and enjoy!