Scenic Route (2013) User Reviews (76)

Will Provide A Different Experience For Each and Every Viewer

[Simon_Says_Movies · 7/10 · 22 August 2013]

Entombed by a nightmarish quality, Scenic Route finds two old friends stranded in Death Valley after their vehicle succumbs to the surroundings (and a misguided ploy by one of the duo). The strengths of this thriller, which embraces both psychological and more straightforward approaches to the genre, comes from many facets. Be it the potent performances from Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler, strong writing from scribe Kyle Killen and a well realized vision of the setting and situation, Scenic Route offers no clear answers but what it does better than most is provide multiple outcomes that are equally compelling across the board. Even what I suppose could be considered the less probable conclusions explore themes even more complex that those of the "reasonable" variety.

Scenic Route is penned by scribe Kyle Killen who gave us the prematurely cancelled television series Awake and the hugely underrated The Beaver with Mel Gibson in 2011. Though wildly different films, this effort caries a very similar feel – an off kilter, dreamlike vibe that services the ending to great effect. He is certainly no stranger to twisting narratives, a strength when coupled with his poignant, natural script culminates in a film that is both close to home and as far from day to day reality as one could fathom.

Some of the chief themes explored include those to do with the expectations and reality of the "American dream," how people change over time but also how at others they are unable, or unwilling to. Killen delves into the jealous underpinnings of a lost friendship and also how people react either to things actually going well in your life or failing to live up to what we dreamed as kids. Fogler's Carter poignantly states that if everyone followed the path of what we drew in elementary school as our future we would live in a world full of pro athletes and astronauts and that we need someone to clean the toilets. It's a rather harsh reality but so is the life or death situation these two face.

Unravelling as a two man show, Scenic Route certainly asks a lot of its leads and in the cases of both Duhamel and Fogler they deliver. Known mostly for playing the slovenly best friend or goofy sidekick to a more straight laced lead, Fogler owns his character who while still a screw- up (at least in the eyes of most) and a bit of a man child is played completely straight. He is as well developed as Duhamel's corporate "stooge" and individual not nearly as unhappy as he expresses. They share highs and lows and banter and fight with an honesty missing from most dramas. Some of what these characters have to say may hit closer to home than you would like to hear. Perhaps most importantly, despite not always being on the best of terms, these are not bad people and we certainly root for them to make it out OK.

Where Scenic Route stumbles from time to time is in the execution of the scuffles and arguments between these two friends as the situation escalates. Their eventual reconciliations certainly ring true given the stage that has been set but the rather volcanic nature of these feuds can be a tad over the top. Who am I to say how I would react if I was dealt the same hand but given the other interactions they ring more false. Additionally, how their missed opportunities for rescue are handled in a rather derivative manner and serve to be more infuriating in how they unravel, more than a soul crushing defeat – just another bump on the road to death. It's unfortunate given how well everything else works.

This brings us to the ending. Always being a positively thinking person, I have a fairly clear comprehension of my version of Scenic Route but more so than usual I actual found it to be more interesting and complex than the flip side. This again stems from ideas surrounding being able to except good things in your life and not always question the little things or that if something exceptional befalls you it must come with a catch. Whatever way someone ultimately view Scenic Route it's difficult to imagine them not leaving with at least something to mull over.

Those who require a clear cut wrap-up will find Scenic Route maddening but those who like their brain to keep firing after the end credits will find what this film has to offer quite compelling. How you view the conclusion will rely entirely on your outlook on life. Optimists, pessimists and everyone in between will have their own view on what transpired and because of it change how they perceive the preceding acts. Different symbolism and foreshadowing will make itself seen depending on what side you land upon and I'm sure repeat viewings will uncover even more subversive dynamics and themes.

Personal Bias --

[selfdestructo · 7/10 · 12 May 2022]

This is MY kind of movie. Limited cast (two guys, with the occasional passer-by), limited setting (filmed in the expanses of Death Valley, but primarily takes place around their broken-down truck).

I thought Scenic Route was well-acted, though the characters portrayed, especially in their initial conflicts, were probably the weakest and least interesting parts of the whole thing. So, this story jumps in head-first, and promptly grinds to a halt with petty bickering between two lifelong friends, whose lives (and ideals) have gone in opposite directions. I will admit as the story and characters unfold, it adds a bit more depth, as well as piquing my interest more.

Carter (Dan Fogler, who I've never seen in a serious role) and Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) are traveling cross-country in Carter's 30-year old Ford pickup (which doubles as his home), hoping to re-connect as friends. Only to Carter's dismay, things don't go as planned.

So he takes the "scenic route," while Mitchell naps. Then the truck "conveniently" breaks down in the middle of the desert, as Carter hopes to get some one-on-one time with Mitchell, and give him an earful as to what extent he feels his life has strayed. Things get, let's say, heated.

The coda to the rescue sends up a couple red flags, still, I didn't see where they were going. First, this rescue was real convenient, even a little lazy, and things are resolved on the sugary side.

Even with all that being said, I thought the resolution and twist made this whole movie. I see a lot of people feel differently. Ah, well.

Note the scores! A high user score (for this type of movie), and a critic's score down in the red. That spells future cult classic.

Overall, a good character study/survival thriller, with a nice twist (that is, if you don't see it coming straight at you).

Scenic Route Would Make A Great Short

[tomdugan2-1 · 5/10 · 11 November 2013]

The film is basically an hour of two friends needlessly bashing each other physically and psychologically to the point where you are ready to leave the theater - which is what I did. I thought the film was terrible, but at the behest of a friend, I rented the DVD. I scrubbed through 90% of the film to the end where I was pleasantly surprised by a great plot twist that was well executed.

So my rating goes from a minus something to a reluctant five for a cool ending of a first effort. To those thinking of renting the DVD though - watching is still torture unless you chop the second act. If you do watch this film the repetitive bashing starts twenty minutes in so whenever you tire of this you can save your sanity by skipping to the start of the plot twist at an hour and fifteen minutes for a reasonably entertaining half hour short.

FLASH TO FILMMAKERS - No one but your parents and friends will pay $20 to see a feature film that takes an hour and fifteen minutes to engage its audience. The static script might have worked as an off-Broadway one act but as an 86 minute moving picture film this needed a lot of development - or at the very least a lot of heavy editing.

FLASH TO PARENTS AND FRIENDS WHO POSTED INCREDIBLE REVIEWS - if your reviews were disingenuous, you are not only cheating IMDb readers but the people behind this film. Think about it. You are building unreasonable expectations for a $20 movie ticket or DVD sale that the material cannot support. What should have been a great "reel" and learning experience for the filmmakers is now going to be held to the unreasonably high standard of your reviews. This is not going to sit well with people who watch based on your recommendations.

This movie is a must watch. the best drama/thriller movie ever. a 9/10

[SherazKhan · 6 October 2013]

Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) and Carter (Dan Fogler), friends since childhood, embark on a road trip through the desert of Death Valley in hopes of rekindling their waning friendship. After Carter plays a prank on Mitchell to make him think that their pickup truck has broken down, Mitchell freaks out and Carter admits to prank. They become stranded for good when Mitchell tries to start the car, but fails to do so even when Carter reconnects the wire that he had unplugged. That's when Scenic Route kicks into full thriller and even horror gear as Mitchell and Carter desperately seek help in the middle of nowhere. The stakes escalate when a lot of friction transpires between them, and they find themselves unable to control their anger and frustration. They must not only struggle to survive the elements, but also each other

What makes Scenic Route more than your average modern day thriller is that it doesn't doesn't become tedious, shallow, contrived or asinine. In no way does the film feel like Gus Van Sant's painfully tedious and pretentious Gerry which also had its characters stranded in the desert. The screenplay by Kyle Killen remains character-driven throughout, avoids the trappings of boring exposition, and leaves a little room for interpretation, especially in the third act. It's quite compelling to observe how the friendship or lack thereof between Mitchell and Carter evolves so organically. As you the two of them wander through the desert, you gradually learn more about their lives and what makes them so different from each other; neither of them is merely a cardboard cut-out, so you're at least somewhat emotionally invested in their lives.

Co-directors Kevin and Michael Goetz make the most out of the desert scenery to highlight Mitchell and Carter's isolation sans the use of special effects. Fortunately, they avoid using cheap camera tricks like shaky cam (Neill Blomkamp should learn from them!) as a means to generate tension; the tension comes from the plot and characters themselves. To top it all off, there's also the solid acting skills of Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler who give the best performance of their career by far---that just shows you that all they needed to display their talents were complex characters and a well-written screenplay both of which are hard to find in Hollywood these days. In a summer inundated with bloated, shallow blockbusters which are nothing more than long, loud video games, the refreshingly intelligent and palpably suspenseful Scenic Route comes along. It deserves to be in wide release rather than limited. Amazing movie folks u gotta watch this trust me. 9/10.

Riveting

[bob-rutzel-1 · 7/10 · 6 December 2013]

Mitchell (Josh Duhmel) and Carter (Dan Fogler) are life-long friends who take a "scenic route" through a desert in a old pick-up. Carter chose the road so he and Mitchell can catch up on things because they haven't talked much since Mitchell got married. Then the pick-up dies and things get hostile between them. And, to make matters worse they seem to be the only ones on this road. Carter does mention, later on, that the road may have been closed, but he wasn't too sure about that.

This isn't for everyone. There is no CGI, explosions, shootings or a large cast. Just the two of them arguing, for the most part, but they pull it off. You are not bored. You are riveted to your seat to see how this plays out and , of course, you hope for the best. The writing. pacing and the acting performances hold you because you don't know what will come next from either one.

They argue about life decisions that each has against the other because they know each other so well since they were kids. Each continues to argue and expound on what the other should have done in the first place. Then they come to blows. Hey, it was just a matter of time.

And, yes, there is the possibility that one or both may die on that lonely road. They have nothing to eat or drink and there are no cell phone bars. It just doesn't look good.

All in all, Josh Duhmel and Dan Fogler do outstanding and believable jobs. Kudos. Oscars? Hmmm……………

Again, this is not for everyone, and there is a surprise ending. (7/10)

Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: Yes, briefly in flashbacks. Language: Yes, not too much though.

Well Acted And Well Written

[sddavis63 · 7/10 · 12 January 2014]

As I was this surprisingly good movie, I found myself making comparisons to movies like "127 hours" or even "The Descent" - movies featuring characters stuck in seemingly hopeless situations where survival seems unlikely at best. "Scenic Route" handles the situation a little bit differently.

Like the former movie, the adversary in this is nature itself. Mitchell and Carter (Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler) are on a road trip. Old friends, they've drifted apart and life has taken them in different directions. This trip is the attempt to rebond. But when their truck breaks down in the middle of the desert with no help in sight, it becomes a fight for survival against the daytime heat and the night time cold, the lack of water, and the wild animals. Like the latter movie, the situation takes these friends and ultimately makes them adversaries as they struggle for survival.

Duhamel and Fogler play their roles very well, and the movie is smartly written and moves along at a nice pace. The dialogue seems natural - the sort of things a couple of guys stuck in this situation might say to each other. The desert setting is a wonderful backdrop to the battle for survival, and we learn enough about each of the main character's lives to feel a sense of empathy with them.

My biggest quibble with the movie might be the original explanation for why the truck broke down. Without giving anything away, that seemed out of place. It introduced what seemed to m e to be an unnatural reason for conflict to emerge between the two. I thought the movie might have been more powerful without that - if we had just seen the situation itself start to take its toll on two guys who basically were buddies. But if that's a weakness, it is one of the few you see with "Scenic Route." The ending leaves a great deal open to interpretation, and obviously there is no definite answer as to what the ending means or even to what exactly happened in the movie (which is another similarity to the ending of "The Descent.") It's all in the eye of the viewer, who can interpret it as he or she chooses. (7/10)

The long way around is not always the best in Scenic Route

[rgblakey · 7/10 · 7 September 2013]

There are movies that come along that seem a bit out there, sporting a cast that doesn't make all that much sense and it's usually is a good thing. The stranger the story though, the higher risk you take on getting something that just doesn't work. The latest Scenic Route features Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler and cover art that looks like something out of the Road Warrior. Could this be one of those surprisingly original films or is it another misleading generic straight to video release?

Scenic Route follows two lifelong friends whose truck breaks down on an isolated desert road during a road trip. As the heat and despair begin to take over they begin to turn on each other, attacking each other's life decisions with unwavering brutality. Going into these kinds of movies you really never know what to expect, but here the movie really delivers. It's not anything breaking boundaries or anything, but just some clever filmmaking and storytelling. The story is pretty simple but manages to deliver a really effective overall tale. Duhamel has done comedy, drama, and action but here is given a chance to do a bit of it all and gives easily one of his best performances to date. His character goes the furthest off the rails of the two and really seems to dive head first into this role. The real surprise comes from Fogler who normally goes for the comedy route and has some funny moments here, but is given the chance to showcase more emotion and talent with this character and also delivers. These two guys worked really well together which was a must for this film since pretty much the entire film is just them at odds.

This is one of those rare gems that works on pretty much every level, but may lose some with the ending. While it works perfectly to the stuff they go through, those expecting more may be put off. Whether you get it or not the journey these characters take and the performances Duhamel and Fogler give make for a great film and worth checking out.

Not that much to look at

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 15 August 2014]

Obviously the title is not meant entirely serious, but the movie is very serious, even when it has some funny moments. Overalll we get a drama dressed as a thriller and it does a good job, but it does rely entirely on its actors. And the script/dialog of course. There are quite a few scenes, where you wonder about motivation and reactions of the characters (not to mention some very convenient timing).

The actors are more than decent, but the ending is what might break or elevate the movie in your opinion. It's multi-layered if you want it to be. Although it could be very clear for many reasons too (which can be taken from pieces of dialog about the wife and her appearance and the cell phone itself). It's not the journey nor the destiny, but the question if you're able to continue once you've stopped

Wow, this was impressive

[Hendrik_Numiah · 8/10 · 25 July 2013]

With a score of 6.1 when I started to watch, I wasn't expecting to much. Well, it's proved once more. Scores on IMDb can't be called trustworthy and they can bias your opinion.

Both Josh and Dan deliver some hilarious and profound acting! With a story not to far fetched and delivered at a steady pace, this movie was actually quite entertaining. It kept me interested throughout and had me on the edge of my seat. It's safe to assume you can easily empathize on what these guys have been through. Not to many plot holes and the ending was satisfying too. It makes you think about what one should do when you end up in a situation like this.

Also it reminded me of me and my best friend. There were quite some similarities. I will recommend this to friends, that's for sure.

A twisted thriller that tries very very hard to be a surrealist nightmare

[Robert_duder · 7/10 · 15 September 2013]

I basically watched Scenic Route because I enjoy Josh Duhamel. I expected an indie thriller and it certainly was that. I would imagine the budget for the film would have been very low and the film is driven by setting and dialogue and does fairly well on both counts. I think its relatively easy to build a film that builds suspense and survivalist drama in a desert but it is the chemistry and the conversation between the two men that really puts you on edge. The trailer and even the cover of the film implies this could be almost a survival horror film but I think it leans far more towards a survival drama. There is 10-15 minutes worth of footage of the two men brawling and fighting but nothing gets extremely gory by any means. This film is psychological through and through. Early in the film I wondered if the dialogue was improvised between them and because of that I thought parts of it felt a little forced. It was like they were struggling to find the right words but it got significantly better towards the middle and their chemistry seemed to be get better as well and they were believable as life long friends on very different paths.

Josh Duhamel was terrific in his role as a man with a seemingly perfect life. He has a beautiful wife and son and the perfect 9-5 job but he quickly shows that all that is a facade and driving him crazy. He has enough charisma to carry the role and the film and his downward spiral is really well done in the scope of his character. It all happens quickly and it is fascinating to watch. Dan Fogler seems like an odd choice for his best friend. He almost appears to look and act like the slapstick buddy in a raunchy comedy. However, it is this reason that makes their interactions so watchable. He isn't as good as Duhamel but he also isn't really the focus of the film. He is meant to be more of the supporting character I think to Duhamel and he does well at that. Its probably a very good turn for his career to show a different side of him and a little more depth to his abilities. That's about it for the cast. There are a few, very few, other characters that are on screen for literally seconds so this is a two man show essentially.

This is basically a first time outing for the Goetz brothers directing. I usually find most directors who don't have a lot of experience stumble through their first works. While I'm sure film critics smarter than I could pinpoint a few minor amateur mistakes, I think the film is very good. It is entertaining and has a very good pace to it. It isn't perfect mind you. Besides the forced dialogue in the beginning, I felt like it was trying very very hard to be an art-house surrealist film. I think it tries too hard to be smart and a thinker of a film when it really isn't necessary. In a bizarre turn of events the ending...I thought was almost unnecessary. It was another reason it was trying so hard to be though provoking. That being said...I'm going to be contradictory because I sort of loved the ending!! It had this whole Inception feel to it that actually worked somehow even though I didn't really think it was the best ending. Regardless, mainstream crowds and art-house folks could enjoy this equally. Its intriguing and well designed and entertaining. A very sold indie flick for certain! 7.5/10

Overrated, so he married a secretary

[the_real_smile · 1/10 · 17 August 2014]

What do "Buried", "Phone Booth", "Panic Room", "Misery", "The Mist", etc. etc. etc. have in common? Well, they are all one-room set movies, and they are all very entertaining. Scenic Route is also a one-room set movie. What not in common with the letter movies? That "Scenic route" is not entertaining, it's tedious and not worth the watch, it is nothing more then 82 minutes brambling about the same thing.

Reading the first 10 reviews I was quite excited to see this movie, but wow, a 82 minutes discussion about Michell married a secretary and how wrong Carter thinks that is, is just unbearable to watch. Fantastic desert scenes? Perhaps for those that have never visited a desert themselves, not only the movie was an el-cheap o production, the desert also. The only good thing about this movie was that it was not longer then 82 minutes.

Scenic Route-- SXSW

[jasonitkin · 9/10 · 10 March 2013]

I saw Scenic Route during SXSW on Friday. I had no idea what to expect besides a mohawk. I was blown away. The acting, dialogue, and desert scenery combine to make this an awesome movie. The deeper meanings and plot twists will keep you thinking about the movie and its implications for days. The group I saw the movie with was still talking about script and interplay between the actors two days later. In fact, I want to see the movie again because I think there are subtle things I may have missed on the first viewing that may make me appreciate the film even more. It really is a unique film. If you are tired of movies that seem to copy old ideas, then this movie is for you. I highly recommend it.

An engaging character study with an expected outcome

[dracforever · 7/10 · 29 April 2019]

I actually enjoyed this movie. It explores how best friends can turn on each other in times of undue stress: it makes you think "what if". Not only are they stranded with a vehicle malfunction, but they are in a hostile environment. The only stress outlet is to take their frustration out on each other. I didn't see the end coming, but with hindsight, I find that it was the most probable outcome for the situation, since the alternative was a far too heavily sugar-coated outcome. This picture was done well all around. I recommend a viewing.

Two idiots get stuck in the desert

[LaverneandShirleysucks · 2/10 · 23 February 2022]

They bicker and fight and after 3 freaking days and when they're near death they finally decide to walk and when they do, they're so dumb they don't even stay on the damn road which obviously leads to civilization.

It was fun seeing the idiots helplessly watch their truck get towed away when they left the road. At this point you just think to yourself, "Die already!" But after the 4th day with no food and water and both badly beaten (by each other) they miraculously still have strength to go on. In reality both idiots would have been dead well before then.

Then there's the ending...(I won't spoil)...I'll just say it was just as bad as the 90 minutes that came before it.

great flick, curious ending

[alanperlmanphd · 2 January 2014]

One of the best two-man shows I've ever seen. I agree with the reviewer who said that abandoning the vehicle was a terrible mistake (causing the men to miss TWO rescue opportunities) and that you can take various conclusions away from the ending. The cell phone rings, (as the other reviewer said) probably a hallucination, and it appears that they're rescued and go on to live the idyllic lives they always wanted. Even the lighting sends that message.

So what was the meaning of the last 10 min.? Was the director showing us some sort of a posthumous brain-imagining? And if so, how do the men have a conversation in this dreamlike state? This was a 5* movie without the ambiguous ending. Missing the rescue opportunities would have been enough irony, and if they'd just died (actual rescue would have been too Hollywood), the movie would have been equally satisfying.

Almost quit after 10 min. Glad I didn't

[beachrox · 7/10 · 15 October 2020]

As others have said, these guys make a series of unrealistically stupid choices. In the first 10 minutes, the guy that has one working leg decides to climb in 115 degree heat to the top of a small hill made of rocks in order to see if his cell phone works. His buddy goes with him.

Now, this is where I almost stopped because any thinking person would decide the non-injured guy will climb the hill and the injured guy will stay with the truck. In case, you know, someone comes by.

Not only that but neither of them looked at the phone the whole time they were walking. And he wouldn't be able to make that climb with that boot.

Their decisions don't get much better, but I enjoyed the ride: seeing what comes next, thinking about what I would do, and also considering a bit below the surface of what was actually said on screen.

It touches on changing friendships, lost dreams, life commitments, regrets, relationships, and joy.

Acting was very well done.

The ending: I suspected the writer might pull something like this. But it was done in an unexpected way. I loved the phone conversation at the end.

I'm choosing to believe that the reason behind his disconnection, unsteadiness, and questioning of reality is all from PTSD.

Excellent Low-Budget Psychological Thriller

[dfa120374 · 7/10 · 16 January 2015]

Scenic Route is the story of two best friends, Mitchell and Carter (both excellently portrayed by Josh Duhamel & Dan Fogler respectively)....two guys in their mid-30s who have decided to take a road trip together and use the time as sort of a "male bonding" experience. Unfortunately they end up getting stranded on a remote desert highway, and it's not long before what was supposed to be a trip of self discovery, actually turns in to a fight for survival from not only the elements & being stranded, but also from each other.

Now you may think that this doesn't read like an exciting story, but you would be wrong because it's actually much more than just two guys getting stranded. Admittedly the story may seem like a simple one, but it has much more to it and it delivers well by bringing suspense, thrills, and sheer captivation with it. Even the way the movie starts brings it's own surprise because when you watch the opening scene, you actually think you've seen the outcome of the movie. When the time comes, however.....well, you'll just have to watch it to find out for yourself to see what I mean.

The pace of the movie is just right and it never becomes boring as there is always something about it to keep you watching. The story develops really nicely as it goes on, right up until it gets to the very thought provoking ending (which will actually stick with you for some time).

Scenic Route is definitely one of those wee gems of a movie that comes along once in a while and actually restores your faith that there ARE some great movies out there in amongst what seems to be a sea of mediocre Hollywood big budget remakes, sequels, and spin-offs.

Fantastic movie and well worth watching.

TELL ME HOW IT ENDS

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 2 December 2018]

Old friends Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) and Carter (Dan Fogler) take a ride cross country, or at least the desert. Carter is a "fat unemployed writer" while Mitchell is successful in finance with a wife and children. Carter pretends his vehicle is disabled (it's a Ford) so they can talk and get re-acquainted. The conversation turns nasty, and worse so when the Mitchell discovers the break down was staged...but then as fate would have it, the truck really breaks down.

Yes, it is a film about two guys in the desert talking about their lives going from exchanging blows to a bromance and back again and so on. There are some dark comedy moments. I wish Zach Galifianakis had played Carter, but then I always say that whenever a fat bearded role appears.

The film had an awkward "Twilight Zone" twist at the end which lacked decent development. Makes for a decent rental.

Parental Guide:F-bomb. Brief sex and nudity (Christie Burson).

One of the movie with best dialogs and conversations held

[nitinjoshi2006 · 7/10 · 3 May 2014]

Scenic route: What happen when some one told u about things u would not prefer to know about you, u might panic when people talk to you about those moments. This movie is all about friends and family when i said friends it's about best friends who know everything about you (all stuffs u really not want to discuss or i can say u keep hiding from Ur self ) you know Ur best friends knows every thing happening or happened in Ur life and when someday they discussed that here started the big fights . This movie is all about that 2 best buddies in 30's went for a scenic route start talking then arguments about how other person changed with time ...then reality check for each other ...they start telling each other things which individual not wanna know and it turns in to fight and most imp they were stuck in a desert . Well written and nicely directed.The acting, dialog, and desert scenery combine to make this an awesome movie. Josh Duhamel simply superb Acting as he delivered his role as Mitchell perfectly and Dan Fogler is also superb . What i like most about this movie was dialogs (simple conversations turned in to argument and then fights and then again simple conversation) Well things happen in beat friends and then they become normal and that's all about this movie was . Few scenes are amazing and nicely act by both actors ...well i liked the movie and this movie is diff from other movies if we talks about Ending The way they start arguing and then fight ,then it become serious and blood shed then they realize what they did was wrong and then apology.

A fantastic movie that is very much worth seeing but won't get the audience that it deserves. I highly recommend. I say A-

[cosmo_tiger · 8/10 · 15 August 2013]

"You stage a breakdown in the middle of the desert so we can talk?!" Mitchell (Duhamel) and Carter (Fogler) are best friends we have started to drift apart when they decide to go for a ride. When the truck they are in breaks down in the middle of a desert they start to argue about the directions their lives have taken. The argument starts to escalate and their friendship is pushed to its limits. Before I start I have to admit that the plot doesn't seem exciting or interesting at all but this is a perfect example of you can't judge a book by it's cover. While the plot isn't all that intriguing the acting is so brilliant that it gives the movie a tenseness and excitement that the idea alone can not. You really begin to feel for the friends and are so invested in them that you find yourself living and dying with them with every passing minute. It's to talk to much about the events without giving something away because each event builds on the one before it but I will say that this was a pleasant surprise and I highly recommend this. Overall, one of the best "under the radar" movies I have seen in a long time and another movie that won't get the audience that it deserves. I give it an A-.

Not as shabby as its lack of attention here would indicate...

[MrGKB · 6/10 · 15 February 2014]

...this lo-fi freshman feature mostly hits responsive notes as it wends its Ambrose Bierce-ish way into the Twilight Zone, and that's about the extent of any spoiler I'm likely to offer. Scribe Kyle "The Beaver" Killen sends two not-so-buddy-buddy buddies into Death Valley, and the results aren't quite what one would call scenic. The two leads are mostly believable, with Josh "Safe Haven" Duhamel evincing stronger chops than Dan "Kung Fu Panda" Fogler, who is perhaps a hair too whiny for the character's own good, but then again maybe that was the whole point. Worth a watch for folks who enjoy lo-fi sleepers and films that are otherwise off the scenic route.

Journey of idiots

[tkell31 · 2/10 · 5 October 2013]

I think there is a good idea in there, but the execution was so bad I couldn't get past it. Sure the survival genre makes for a powerful movie because it's based on a primitive survival instinct, but this was so bad it was comical.

Two Mutt and Jeff friends decide to travel through Death Valley with no water, in an old beat up truck, and apparently without telling anyone what they were doing. This is so stupid on so many levels if they were real people I would be happy to have them out of the gene pool. Mutt and Jeff have found the world is not the warm and cuddly place they thought it would be when they were in their late teens early twenties. Boo-hoo. Now ten or so years later, having taken divergent paths they have virtually nothing in common except for their history. We all probably have friends like this, people who if we passed on the street now we would go out of our way to avoid, and the story has been done twenty times before so they had to come up with a twist.

The whole movie is a series of stupid actions that wind up digging our duo a deeper and deeper hole. Rather than go through them all I will just highlight the really stupid ones not previously mentioned:

1. Drinking windshield wiper fluid because "it has water in it." 2. Not being able to talk coherently and acting like lunatics when an elderly lady stops to see what is wrong. Of course this plot device is necessary to keep them stranded and lead to them... 3. ...engaging in an extremely violent fight. Yes, clearly two life long friends are going to try to kill each other 4. Not being able to tell someone is still alive i.e. breathing and deciding to bury him in the desert. Of course this was another necessary plot device so.. 5. ..they could decide to sleep in the grave he dug instead of the truck and miss a patrol vehicle that would have saved them yet again.

After three days in 115 degree heat with no water I was just hoping they would die and the stupid movie would end. They do try and throw a twist in at the end where they manage to get to a place with cell coverage, but that turns out to be a delusion (how clever, that's never been done before to try and save a bad movie) and they are really dead out in the desert.

A Compelling Journey through a Hellish Desert of Both Mind and Body.

[JustCuriosity · 9/10 · 8 March 2013]

I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere of Scenic Route on the first night of Austin's SXSW Film Festival. This disturbingly powerful drama was very well-received by the crowd. The film was both well-written and well-acted. This is the story of two thirty-something guys who used to be close friends, but have drifted apart in recent years as they have struggled to find themselves as adults. Both men are evidently lost within themselves long before their truck breaks down in the desert. The story could easily have been clichéd, but instead their struggle to survive against the elements becomes a journey of self- exploration and rediscovery. They begin to turn on each other as they confront the uncomfortable demons within their own deeply troubled selves.

Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler show new depth as actors in this film. Kyle Killen's script is far better than his deeply flawed script for the The Beaver. The only major flaw appears to be one unnecessary flashback scene that takes the audience away from the stark dry desert that has in and of itself become a character in the film. Although, it is never stated where it is set, the credits reveal that it was filmed in California's Death Valley. The Q&A with cast makes clear just how difficult it was to film under conditions of wind and extreme temperatures in the desert. The dramatic journey of the Scenic Route is compelling and entrancing. While the film can be difficult to watch at times and will certainly be far too dark for some viewers, its journey through a physical and spiritual desert is overpowering. I recommend the film to all viewers who want to be challenged by a dark and disturbing journey. I really hope that Scenic Route gets wider distribution so that it can be viewed by a wider audience.

Be the Hitcher

[thesar-2 · 7/10 · 25 March 2014]

Sometimes I love independent films, especially about disaster/breakdown scenarios. Scenic Route is just that and though a tad far-fetched, it might actually happen this way.

And…I did like it, despite my doubts.

Josh Duhamel, whom I will always cherish from the TV series Las Vegas over the horrible Transformers "Go-bots" films, did okay here and was definitely over-shined by his costar/buddy, Dan Fogler.

Allow me to back up. Two lifelong, albeit drifting apart, friends plan a road trip that inadvertently gets them stuck in the plains. The dominate one, Fogler's Carter, ignores passerbyers' help in lieu of conversation with his life mate, Mitchell (Duhamel.)

Eventually, the heat of the day, cool of the night and the delirium of the situation gets the two boys down. How would you get out of the desert once your car breaks down and there are few passengers on the lonely and isolated "short cut" of road you choose?

At less than an hour and a half, with little new to bring to the table, you could do worse. But, I believe these two guys brought their heart and soul to these roles and absolutely showed what would happen if a desperate friend needed his life-partner this bad.

Interested in how I described this? Absolutely see this. 82 minutes – seriously, what else were you planning for tonight?

* * * Final thoughts: THE ENDING. Like a lot of independent "SHOCKING" endings, I loved this one. Where these two end up is surprising, and it does make you relish in the film you have seen. I did like the movie up to the ending, and I believe this sealed the deal.

Interesting ending but tedious watching two idiots

[jjj-10068 · 3/10 · 23 October 2018]

Really, these two guys do so much stupid stuff, it was hard to root for them to survive. Leaving the highway and heading off across the desert was the last straw. Anyone stupid enough to do that deserves to die. (Spoiler note: I'm not suggesting that they do or don't die...only that they should because they're stupid.)