Winding Roads (1999) User Reviews (11)

Despite some talented performers, disappointing

[LittleAudreyHorne · 4/10 · 8 September 2002]

Let me begin by saying that I love (1) interesting, well-defined female characters dealing with everyday problems, (2) well-made independent films and (3) James Marsters (not necessarily in that order). Unfortunately, "Winding Roads" satisfied me on only one of the above counts (that being #3).

The premise of the film sounded promising to me (three female friends weathering different challenges at the same time in their lives). However, the script doesn't allow us to spend enough time with the characters or go fully into their motivations. In the case of the Rachel Hunter character, this is unfortunate. In the case of the Kimberly Quinn character, it renders her (in my opinion) unsympathetic, as her decisions and actions are without any real foundation or concrete motivation.

I don't want to go into spoilers because, frankly, I don't want to spend too much time writing about a movie that already took up ninety minutes of my life that I can never retrieve. There are many talented actors in "Winding Roads" (Hunter and Marsters, in particular, made the most with what they were given). With more carefully-written characters and plot, this could have been a very affecting movie. As is, it just left me feeling kind of "eh". I cannot recommend it.

Phenomenal talents

[glfilms · 3 March 2000]

I caught this film at a private screening in Los Angeles and was simply blown away. Kimberly Quinn is the next Meryl Streep and newcombers Katrina Bronson and Rachel Hunter shine. The realism of this film is staggering - the dialogue wonderful - I felt as if I had lived a life with these characters. For once we have a female driven film that is gritty and real and meaningful without ever being 'girly' or corny. The writing and directing were seemless - never did I question the depth or meaning of the piece. Cheers to the filmmakers.

perfect for those rainy Sunday afternoons

[myself_27 · 7/10 · 31 August 2005]

As a James Marsters fan he was the reason I bought this film but after realising he's not in it that much I really got into the actual story and really enjoyed it. Its a sweet story of love, heartache and the pains of becoming mature and responsible.

I'm not really a lover of Rachel Hunter's acting but I was surprised to learn her character was by far the best and most complex and the writing for her character (as well as the others) was pretty special.

This is the perfect film for a rainy Sunday afternoon particularly if you've experienced any type of loss be it love, a death or that sweet innocent belief of true love and happy ever afters.

For Marsters fans this film is very different to anything you would expect of him and really highlights how talented an actor he truly is.

It makes you think about what love is to you.

[t-claybourne · 7/10 · 15 December 2006]

I saw this film as a James Marsters fan and was truly not disappointed by his performance. He and Kimberly Quinn were fantastic together. I can't get some of the depth of feeling they both portrayed out of my mind. The other actors, another being well liked one of mine, Michael Weatherly of Dark Angel fame( very small part) were good too. I felt the stories were compelling and this movie was well worth my watching. I will be honest there was a few flow problems and I'm not sure if it was the script or editing but you should know it was there. It didn't matter to me this is on my DVR permanently and soon to be on a tape. I'll watch it again!.... Yes because of James' performance but the others were good too, because honestly I couldn't just watch it for him... I'm not that far gone of a fan.

Great films

[acfishr · 10/10 · 2 October 2000]

My wife and I caught Winding Roads in St. Louis and were pleasantly surprised. Finally, a movie about regular people dealing with regular issues. We are so tired of special effects and flashy filmmaking with no substance. This film was great and the acting was phenomenal. The lead actor - Kimberly Quinn -has quite a career ahead of her - kudos to the director as well.

Pretty sharp indie film.

[jengod-2 · 11 April 2001]

Somebody get this film a distributor, quick! With James Marsters, Michael Weatherly and Rachel Hunter, the star power alone will drive this movie to success, but even more it's an elegantly produced, realistic drama. Set in a tight-knit community of young people, the "winding roads" of the title describe the surprising twists and turns of their broken hearts, new opportunities and second chances. Beautiful cinematography and excellent performances, especially by Marsters, Bronson and Hunter.

A really great movie

[nzpedals · 10/10 · 27 August 2014]

Three young women and their partners and some relationship issues.

Billy proposes to Renee (Kimberly Quinn, who also co-produces and is a co-writer). When Renee gets pregnant, Billy wants to buy a big house in the 'burbs, but Renee is quite content with their one-bedroom apartment in town. She gets doubts, and wants to call the relationship off. Billy, needless to say, has great difficulty coping with these changes and reacts badly, briefly.

Kelly (Rachel Hunter) and Mick are married. Their infant has died, cot-death. Kelly has great difficulty coping. Drinks, smokes, seeks solace in pills. Mick wants out. "I want my life back". There is a birthday party. Mick doesn't show until very late. There is a brilliantly filmed scene, shot from outside, with no words. Then a wordless phone call from Mick to Renee.

Samantha (Katrina Holden Bronson) was going with Brian, but he left. Now he wants to come back. Sam is reluctant. "You messed me up... you broke my heart". Brian persists, Sam relents.

The director has skilfully interwoven the various parts of the story extremely well. No violence, no sex, (apart from the first few seconds of bed-wrestling which don't seem relevant). All the acting is superb. There are several really good scenes showing small, but real events from their lives. The music deserves special mention. Really good songs that match the tone of the scenes, and perhaps could be released as a sound-track. Very nice outdoor scenery, slightly spoiled at the end by the rolling credits!

Two years later, watch it again and change rating to 10, thoroughly deserved. The odd thing is that none of these talented people have become huge stars? They should.

Finally, real women....

[chattycats · 8/10 · 4 January 2006]

I was on the edge of my seat, close to tears, and that was after only catching the last half of this movie. I'm desperately trying to find a copy of this movie, to watch it from the beginning, and it's hard to find. The dialog was real, the cinematography dark and brilliant, and whether you believe this is a "chick flick," the characters and interplay involved touch on the very heart of the matter - from many aspects that many men will never understand - when it comes to the power of support that comes from friends - especially women - throughout various stages of their lives. That is not something that is developed or created...it just is. The writer has captured the spirit of these women, the truths they must face about the men who love them.

Loved the movie...

[kstrand-87118 · 8/10 · 20 December 2020]

Although I hated the ending. It left everything all open. It was a kinda sad movie too. Really wanted to know how things went between the characters.

Only for James Marsters

[Shoehorn · 15 April 2003]

I feel as if I have a duty to the movie viewing community to warn them about this poor excuse for a female-bonding, woman-empowerment film. Cliche laden plot threads and perfunctory acting turn this piece of fluff into a stone clunker. Only James Marsters is at all interesting in his desperate attempt to wring some emotion out of his insipid dialogue. When he's on screen the movie becomes almost good...but not quite. If you're in the mood for a liberating tale of female friendship, rewatch Thelma and Louise. If you're looking for James Marsters sink your teeth into a Buffy the Vampire Slayer rerun. Just don't take a wrong turn down these Winding Roads.

Great performances, but the plot falls through.

[ironcladotter · 31 August 2000]

I caught the Winfemme screening of this film in Los Angeles, and was a bit disappointed by it. The performances delivered are solid overall, though a few of the characters just fall flat. Unfortunately there's a few major plot problems I couldn't get over, and some portions did drag with really slow pacing where you're just waiting for something interesting to happen. The actors generally did good jobs, though, and James Marsters in particular delivered a nice performance.