Better Start Running

Better Start Running is an eccentric and offbeat indie comedy-drama that was released in 2018. The film takes its audience on an exciting, cross-country, road trip journey through the heart of America, sprinkled with a generous dose of humor, heart, and thrill. This modern-day Bonnie and Clyde scenario provides the backdrop for a story ripe with both personal discovery and social commentary.

The director, Brett Simon, who is known for his poignant storytelling, masterfully helms this unpredictable combination of both situational and physical comedy, being dramatic moments, with a tiny sprinkle of action sequences. Better Start Running is written by the brilliant duo of Chad Faust and Annie Burgstede. Their combined efforts have born this flick, which is original, witty, and gripping.

The film boasts talented Alex Sharp in the lead role, who has proven his acting chops with his previous major role in "A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" on Broadway. The charismatic actor plays Harley, a small-town, awkward convenience store clerk whose uneventful life takes a drastic turn, causing him to spontaneously go on the run alongside wanted criminals.

Analeigh Tipton, known for her roles in Warm Bodies and Crazy Stupid Love, plays Stephanie, Harley's love interest. Stephanie is a free-spirited young woman who hesitantly becomes Harley's accomplice on his wild, unintended ride. Tipton convincingly portrays Stephanie with a measured blend of vulnerability, curiosity, and spirit, contributing richly to the film's emotional narrative.

Mariah Elizabeth Runyon adds an interesting layer to the narrative in her role. She successfully manages to bring the complexities of her character, making her portrayal engaging and relatable to viewers.

Better Start Running also brings in impressive performances from a stellar supporting cast that includes veterans such as Jeremy Irons and Edi Gathegi, who each bring their unique brand of charm and intensity to their roles. They elevate the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Better Start Running serves as a fresh take on the road journey genre. It explores its characters in depth as they continue to discover their true selves whilst on the run from the law. Throughout their journey, they encounter a variety of unique characters and situations, each episode revealing a little more about themselves to each other and the audience. The movie effortlessly juggles humor, personal discovery, and sudden violence, weaved into a journey of self-discovery and opening oneself up to new experiences.

The cinematography is authentically appealing, accurately capturing the essence of middle America, from the sweeping, desolate highways to the nostalgic, quaint towns they pass through. This film has a charmingly vintage appeal to it, contrasted with the modern-day themes of self-exploration and societal rebellion.

Brett Simon skillfully maneuvers between dramatic, humorous, and thrilling moments, which keeps the audience glued to the screen throughout the movie. With excellent performances, engaging characters, and a compelling narrative, you are drawn into the movie right from the start. Its unconventional narrative style, character-driven humor, and intelligent sarcasm keep you entertained throughout.

Through the protagonist's accidental adventure, Better Start Running paints a clever satire of the American heartland's culture and lifestyle. It takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride through small-town America's heart, as our characters outrun authority, trying to find meaning, love, and themselves.

To summarize, Better Start Running is much more than just another crime-comedy flick. It is a captivating exploration of humanity, love, and personal identity through the lens of humor and dramedy. The movie's central theme rings true throughout: life is a journey to be celebrated, complete with unexpected turns. It invites viewers to join Harley and Stephanie on their exhilarating exploration to discover their highest potentials, ultimately threading together a heartwarming and riveting story.