Watch Around the Bend

Around the Bend is a heartwarming and emotional drama film from 2004 starring Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, and Josh Lucas. The movie tells the story of four generations of men from the Lair family, who reunite in a touching and cathartic journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and redemption. Michael Caine plays the role of Henry Lair, an eccentric and aging patriarch who has not seen his son, grandson, or great-grandson in over ten years. Henry is suffering from a terminal illness, and he wants to reunite with his family to make amends for past mistakes and set things right before he dies.

Christopher Walken portrays the role of Turner Lair, Henry's estranged son, who was traumatized by the death of his wife and never recovered from the loss. Turner has a strained relationship with his son, Jason, who resents him for not being there when he needed him and for being emotionally disconnected.

Josh Lucas plays the role of Jason Lair, Turner's son, an aimless and troubled man who has a history of drug addiction, job-hopping, and failed relationships. Jason has a deep longing for connection and validation from his father but feels neglected and ignored.

The film takes place primarily in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Henry lives in a rundown house surrounded by junkyards and scrap metal yards. Henry runs a lucrative business of buying scrap metal and reselling it to factories, but he also has a passion for eccentric art and sculpture.

The story begins when Jason is released from prison for drug possession and gets picked up by his great-grandfather, Henry, who takes him back to his house. Jason is surprised to see his father, Turner, there, too, but the two have an awkward and tense reunion. Henry explains that he has a special plan for the family to come together and reconcile, which involves a road trip to the past.

Henry unveils a map that he has drawn of the four generations' journey, starting from Albuquerque and ending at the family estate in Kentucky, where they will scatter Henry's ashes. Along the way, they will stop at significant places where they have a history, share memories and stories, and confront their fears and regrets.

The road trip is a powerful and transformative experience for each of the men, as they come to understand themselves, each other, and their family history. As they travel together, they discover secrets and revelations about their past that challenge their assumptions and beliefs, and force them to confront painful truths.

The film's themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and acceptance are handled with sensitivity and emotional depth, as the characters struggle to let go of their past and move forward with hope and compassion. The performances by the cast are exceptional, particularly Caine, who delivers a moving and memorable portrayal of an eccentric and vulnerable man facing his mortality.

In conclusion, Around the Bend is a poignant and inspiring film that explores the complex dynamics of a family in crisis and their journey towards healing and redemption. It is a story about the power of love, forgiveness, and transformation, and how even the most broken relationships can be mended with time and effort. The film is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys touching and thought-provoking dramas with stellar performances.

Around the Bend is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 46.