Almost Salinas (2001)

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Being a fan of actress Virginia Madsen, I have been especially looking forward to seeing this movie, and have long sought a copy for my video collection.After finally locating one through a source in Austrailia, I recently saw it and found it to be worth the wait.For the life of me, I don't know why this film didn't get more attention; then again I am sure there are reasons, such as being an independent film and automatically not going beyond the art houses, and perhaps the cast being mostly middle-aged and older, which probably would not interest the Gen Xers.It is a shame though, being such a fine film, with a good story and a great cast, and not to mention one of Virginia Madsen's best performances.One thing for certain is that Virginia has remained consistent, in that she seems to do her best work in movies no one ever gets to see, such as her remarkable performance in "American Gun", in which we watch her character successfully age from a teenager to middle-age.Once again, another film that deserved more attention, but at least it is on video and has even been on cable once or twice.From what I have been reading lately, she seems to want to continue making independent movies in the future, a very wise move if you ask me, when you consider her early career and her treatment in 'mainstream' movies.I hope with her unqualified success in "Sideways", she will now be noticed, and that she will get much better roles that are worthy of her in much better films; though admittedly it is going to be hard to top her Oscar-nominated performance as Maya.In any event, she deserves it !!!In regards to this film, the producers do a great deal with their limited budget and resources, by cleverly telling a 'story within a story', that is the making a 'bio-pic' about actor James Dean.This gives the film a rather warm, nostalgic feel; as does the retro-50's gas station reopened by John Mahoney's character; and though the cast is decidedly older and middle-aged (hard to think of Virginia Madsen that way !!!), there is a slight nod to the Xers in the cast as well.Too bad that this film never found its audience, especially with such a likable cast, that includes an array of quirky and lovable characters, for this is a movie I would want to see often, even if Virginia Madsen wasn't in the cast. In the past, more often than not, when I found any movie Virginia Madsen was in, I tend to just zip through it to note what scenes she appeared in, then putting the video away to gather dust somewhere.Not this time !!!In my opinion, "Almost Salinas" is an example of what an independent film is all about, and hopefully is a reflection of not only Virginia Madsen's continued good fortune, but also a general trend towards what film should be; that is a production that deals in more human terms and away from the big-budget spectacles that have been shoved down the public's throat lately. Take my word on this, seek this one out by all means, even if you have to go to Austrailia to find a copy, like I did.You won't regret it !!!

I recently viewed this movie at the Long Island Film Festival and was delighted by its originality and fine performances. It's visually very intriguing as it's set in a very remote area in California. The characters were all somewhat quirky but lovable. See this movie if you want some enjoyable and satisfying time spent with some interesting people.

What an enjoyable film! Just goes to prove that you can make a wonderful film without nudity, violence or offensive language. The story was solid, the casting perfect and the scenery and cinematography breathtaking. Hopefully this film will be distributed so others can experience it as well.

The poignant complexity of "Almost Salinas" was beautifully superimposed on the intoxicating beauty of a seemingly godforsaken stretch of an isolated stretch of California highway. "Almost Salinas" was a movie about a movie in production, depicting James Dean's fatal car crash on his way to Salinas. In a masterful and creative way, John Green used film production, his own medium, to metaphorically allow the viewer to peer into the complex lives of very simple people. Viewers are treated to stunning cinematography as well as a well written script. This movie is a sleeper. John Green has done a superb job. I wish him well.