A recent college graduate is forced to choose between a life of limitless wealth and complacent security or a potentially dangerous trip down the road less traveled in first-time director Kevin Noland's tale of love and youth told against the backdrop of the Running of the Bulls. Chris McKinley (Joshua Jackson) has decided to celebrate his college graduation by backpacking through Europe with his best friend, Ryan (Timm Sharp), and Ryan's girlfriend, Michelle (Ruthanna Hopper). With time running
short before he returns to the United States and sets out on the fast track to success, Chris attempts to pack as much adventure as possible into his last three days until he locks glances with dark-haired Spanish beauty Adela (Leonor Varela). Now challenged to re-examine his priorities by both the vital young woman and a mysterious stranger named Riccardo (Dennis Hopper), Chris must search the whole of his heart and soul to find out what he really wants most out of life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Neither the rambling plot nor the diffuse characterizations offer much of interest, but the young performers are highly attractive, and Robb Webb's excellent cinematography offers a panorama of highly photogenic Spanish locales.
Writer-director Kevin Noland effectively utilizes his fine young cast and the natural beauty and rich culture of northern Spain in amiably posing a timeless question of youth.
Americano certainly succeeds as a romanticized travelogue, and if this doesn't make one want to grab a backpack and head for the hills of Spain, nothing will.
As Jakes Barnes and friends do in "The Sun Also Rises," Noland's characters are in Pamplona to, among other things, run with the bulls. Those other things include falling in/out of love... [and] drinking wine.
It's ultimately more than a little thin, and watching it feels like listening to a teenager rhapsodize about his summer vacation -- naively charming, but hard to take seriously.
Watching Americano is like hearing a long story about someone else's holiday, and while it seems everyone had a nice time, it's too bad they didn't shoot a better film while they were there.
Movie was a masterpiece , except for the bullfight which was grewsome. but thats their culture. I was honestly impressed with how this turned out. everyone should watch , I was hoping for a glimpse of ruthanna's breasts though
May 15, 2011
adam utz
Great story! Love the cinematography showing the beautiful nature of Spain. Joshua Jackson gave a great acting performance.
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