rooprect
I'm reviewing this movie nearly 5 years after I saw it, so bear with me. "Why bother," you ask? Because 5 years later I'm still hard pressed to come up with a movie like it.A real gem, though not necessarily everyone's cup of tea, "The Art of Travel" will appeal to those of you wanderlusting souls who can enjoy adventures in the simple act of getting on a plane and going somewhere new. There are no car chases, bank heists or torrid love affairs with hot supermodels. But since when have any of you experienced any of that? (If you have, then why the heck are you watching movies like the rest of us schmoes??)Actually the story does contain some heavy action & suspense, possibly some good old Central American gunfire, but that's not intended to be the focus. On the contrary, life without hair-raising thrills can be every bit as adventurous and fun, and "The Art of Travel" shows us precisely that. I highly recommend it to young people who plan on traveling the world, as well as older folks who have never had the opportunity. This film awakens the adventurer in all of us. And don't get me wrong; it's certainly not boring. Like any good trip to a foreign land, every minute is packed with the unexpected. Hats off to the filmmakers for bringing the unique magic of travel into our living rooms.
specvman2003
Let me first start by saying that the story line of this movie is going to appeal mostly to hopeless romantics. It starts out with a man in love who gets hurt and starts a journey only to have to choose between finding himself and what may be the love of his life. I absolutely love the cinematography and is the main reason I watched the movie. The story line was predictable and many have found flaws but, this is entertainment not reality. I thought this was a very well done movie even if predictable. Some may see the ending coming but for others the ending will be a complete surprise and make the movie that much better. I tend to submerse myself in the characters in the movie (unless the movie/acting is just that bad) and thus found the ending a surprise and absolutely hilarious/awesome, making the movie that much better.I cannot recommend this movie enough. However, I would caution that you should not expect an Oscar worthy story line or acting. It will appeal largely to the romantics and the dreamers.
valis1949
THE ART OF TRAVEL is a fresh and breezy Independent film which grabs our attention with a show-stopping opening gambit. A young groom reveals his bride's infidelity as they exchange their wedding vows, presents photographic evidence to the assembled guests, and then takes off on the honeymoon-alone! Arriving at LAX, he takes the next flight out, and winds up in Managua, Nicaragua. Within one long and confusing day, he has partied with some 'hotties', been robbed of his cash, and is forced to place an urgent telephone call to Mom and Dad. In a more ordinary film, the call home would elicit the usual responses: "Here's the money for the next flight out", or "Don't bother us again". However, in this film his Dad counsels him to hang on, have another beer, and see what develops. And, what follows is the chronicle of his laid-back, yet enlightening gambol through the jungles and villages of Central and South America. This is not a great film, but it certainly captures the the quest for risk and adventure in a life where the ultimate belief in middle class values has yet to kick in.
kochibo
This film was my favorite film I saw at the Phoenix Film Festival. It was perfectly balanced! The humor provided by Christopher Masterson and the other cast members perfectly contrasts some of the sad undertones of self discovery. It was absolutely hilarious to see Masterson playing such a gringo in such exotic places. Very easy to relate to! The audience feels a connection with not only the film, but with the goals of Conner. It seems almost like a midlife crisis come early, with many of those same hilarious urges. This movie does not even remotely resemble an average low budget film. It is extremely high quality and incredibly enjoyable. Anyone who has ever felt trapped in their life or the need for travel and adventure will immediately connect to this movie. I highly recommend it to everyone, excellent work!
AD
