Around the Bend

Critics Consensus

Around the Bend sets a destination of earnest generational drama, but settles for the most derivative route to get there, veering off course into trite sentimentality.

29%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 98

61%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,741
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Around the Bend Photos

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Movie Info

Four generations of an American family are brought together by difficult circumstances while facing some unpleasant truths in this drama. Henry (Michael Caine) is an elderly man in failing health living in a small town in the Southwest, where he's cared for by his live-in nurse (Glenne Headly). As Henry's condition grows worse, he's joined by his son Turner (Christopher Walken), his grandson Jason (Josh Lucas), and his great-grandson Zach (Jonah Bobo). As the four men deal with Henry's illness, they also try to come to terms with a lifetime's worth of differences between them. Around the Bend is the first feature film from writer and director Jordan Roberts.

Cast

Michael Caine
as Henry Lair
Christopher Walken
as Turner Lair
Josh Lucas
as Jason Lair
Jonah Bobo
as Zack Lair
Glenne Headly
as Katrina
David Eigenberg
as John
Gerry Bamman
as Albert
Robert Douglas
as College Student
Carlos Cabarcas
as KFC Counterman
Jean Effron
as Albert's Mother
Lily Knight
as Tiffany's Saleswoman
Rick Negron
as KFC Manager
David Marciano
as Detective
Norbert Weisser
as Walter
Laurie O'Brien
as Ruth
Kathryn Hahn
as Sarah
Michael O'Neill
as Cowboy
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News & Interviews for Around the Bend

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Critical Consensus: A Regal "Holiday," A Well-Trodden "Road," A Tepid "Tristan"
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Critic Reviews for Around the Bend

All Critics (98) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (70)

View All Critic Reviews (98)

Audience Reviews for Around the Bend

  • Jul 15, 2012
    An experienced cast lifts this "quirky" family drama about redemption just above been there done that, but only just. Walken and Caine, of course, are the standouts.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Apr 26, 2012
    Never Judge A Film By Its Cover, I have seen this film on the shelves 100 times and passed it up. I'm not a big Christopher Walken Fan, but I do enjoy Michael Caine. So I finally decided to watch this one and what I saw was a very enjoyable movie with a great sound track. About a father (Michael Caine) who only last wish is to see his son (Christopher Walken). Soon after he appears dies and before he dies he leaves his son, grandson and great grandson instructions for a road trip, which makes the movie most enjoyable. The purpose is to get these three back together. All died a fabulous job, 4 1/2 stars 4-21-12
    Bruce B Super Reviewer
  • Nov 10, 2009
    Quirky movie, definately with some cute moments, but nothing outstanding. It was a little slow moving, but okay overall.
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
  • Nov 04, 2009
    Cast: Christopher Walken, Michael Caine, Josh Lucas, Glenne Headly, Jonah Bobo, David Eigenberg, Robert Douglas, Carlos Cabarcas, Gerry Bamman, Jean Effron, Lily Knight, Rick Negron Director: Jordan Roberts Summary: Four generations of men are suddenly brought together by the chance to uncover the truth about their family's past. When their eldest member passes away, the remaining trio embarks on a journey that takes them out on the road and into a world full of surprises -- some comic, some dramatic, and all of them personal. My Thoughts: "Really loved this movie. It was a mans movie with some male bonding going on, but definitely sentimental for the gal's. Such a great cast of men in this movie. I am a sucker for road trip movies, and this was a great one.The story is good, the acting is great, and the concept of Henry's will is funny and original. I enjoyed the entirety of this film. It had a great mix of humor, sadness, and drama. It's a road trip to forgiveness. See it if you haven't yet."
    ♥˩ƳИИ & Super Reviewer
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