Prince Avalanche (2013)

I mean, I think this is an okay film. it sure has ideas about where it wants to go to in terms of its themes, but I personally didn't find the two main characters all that interesting or iluminative, not to mention not particularly likable. Rudd seems to be putting on a lot of superficiality for his role here, just trying too hard. But he's still not bad. Emile Hirsch comes off like the more realistic person here (and seeing the latest controversy regarding him, it's probably safe to say much of his character isn't a stretch for him) But yes, he does well, but there's so much one can do with this material. Yeah, not particularly a strong recommendation.

It's 1988 and wildfires have ravaged the Texas countryside. Alvin (Paul Rudd) took a job to paint the lines on the road to get away from the world. He takes his girlfriend's slacker brother Lance (Emile Hirsch) along for the job. Alvin doesn't see much in the sex obsessed Lance, and Lance is chaffing at the isolation.This is a very small indie with basically the two main actors in most of the scenes. These are two good actors with a lot of sex talk, relationship struggle, and an aimless story. There are a couple of chuckles and a few interesting scenes. However they are too few and far between. It doesn't have the energy of a road movie or the poignancy of a relationship story. The last third turns up the heat, but it quickly becomes silly. I think there is a good half-movie here. The rest of this doesn't have enough energy. It's very subdue.

For those willing to try something different, you may find some value in this independent film. I thought the movie offered some quirky dialogue, characters, and situations, in its' own quiet way.Set in 1988, in the wooded areas of central Texas, near Garland, and not long after the devastating forest fires of the previous year in that section of the state. It's pretty much a two character film with Paul Rudd, making a change from the over-the-top lewd and crude of the Apatow-like movies, playing Alvin, who has left a serious relationship with a woman named Madison to "find himself" in the solitude of his new job in the forest. They still communicate by letter and he sends her money, as well as studying German language tapes so they can eventually re-unite and travel to Germany.Alvin is the head of a two person stripe-crew (painting yellow lines along the roads of Texas) and has recently hired Madison's brother Lance as his assistant. Lance is portrayed by the talented actor Emile Hirsch, and is quite different personality wise from Alvin. He doesn't take the job very seriously, doesn't even like the outdoors, and is always horny.I thought both Rudd and Hirsch performed quite well in their roles. Not everything works here, and sometimes the dialogue between the two seems flat and awkward. However, there's also lots that does work here and the rapport between them, even when they're bickering and arguing can be quite enjoyable. The late actor Lance Legault also adds some good comic relief in his role of a grizzled truck driver traveling the roads that Alvin and Lance are working.One thing I particularly liked in the movie was the atmospherics and solitude allowed by the versatile director and writer David Gordon Green (Snow Angels, Pineapple Express) to just leisurely unravel at its own pace. It's unusual in today's film. It's not for everyone, but for those with the patience there can be definite rewards here.

Two friends (Lance & Alvin) that are used to the big city life, move to an isolated town to seclude themselves as highway road workers, thinking it will sort their lives out, but there are a few issues at hand. Alvin is still in love with Lance's sister, even sends her money she doesn't deserve. The bond between the two friends becomes tested when Alvin gets dumped by Lance's sister. I liked this movie. I don't believe i'll ever watch it again, but I enjoyed the quirky style. I'm not picky when it comes to movies. I tend to enjoy every genre, but I do get tired of the blockbusters and all the predictability that can come with movies. It becomes very refreshing when you see a unique film like this one. This movie is deliberately paced and better for it. I'm not sure how much casual film goers will get out of this, but for the movie buffs, there is plenty to enjoy. The cinematography is splendid and the character development is top notch. The two leads are more than up to this task. Paul Rudd is regarded as a comedic actor, but he is capable of being an excellent actor. I thought Paul Rudd did a great job at conveying his emotions in this film. I felt he stole the show completely with his self absorbed, albeit likable character. I like Paul Rudd a lot in general, but it is always nice to see him expand his range. Some of my favorite scenes with him come in the second half. Emile Hirsch is pretty good as well. He wasn't as dynamic as Rudd was, but he didn't have to be. His chemistry with Rudd was very good. Even though the second half gets quite dramatic, I thought they did a good job of balancing it with well timed humor. The scene where Alvin & Lance get really drunk in the second half was poetic with how beautiful it was. Final Thoughts: This won't be for everybody. I think it appeals to certain viewers to be honest with you. If you're up for a film that is thought provoking and unique, this one is for you. I dug it7.2/10