Watch Coast to Coast

Coast to Coast is a 1987 comedy-drama film starring Lenny Henry, John Shea, and Peter Vaughan. The film starts off in London, where a recovering alcoholic named Madgett (played by Henry) is preparing to leave rehab. He is picked up by his friend Dixon (played by Shea) and the two set off on a road trip across England to visit Madgett's estranged father, who lives in a remote village in Scotland. Along the way, they encounter a number of characters and obstacles that test their friendship and their ability to stay sober.

The film takes place over the course of several days as Madgett and Dixon drive through the English countryside, making stops at various pubs and hotels along the way. Along the journey, they encounter a number of colorful characters, including a group of raucous Scottish football fans, a young couple on their honeymoon, and a wise-cracking hotel clerk played by Peter Vaughan.

The heart of the movie, however, is the relationship between Madgett and Dixon. Madgett is a recovering alcoholic who is struggling to stay sober, while Dixon is a hard-drinking womanizer who is always looking for his next conquest. Despite their differences, the two men have a deep bond, forged by years of friendship and a shared sense of humor. As they drive across the country, they talk about their hopes and fears, their pasts, and their dreams for the future. Along the way, they both learn valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of friendship.

One of the key themes of the film is the struggle for sobriety. Madgett's journey towards recovery is a central focus of the film, as he battles to stay clean in the face of temptation. Meanwhile, Dixon serves as a cautionary tale, showing what can happen when a person refuses to take their addiction seriously. Throughout the film, we see how addiction affects not just the individual, but also those around them, as friends and loved ones struggle to support them and protect themselves from their destructive behavior.

Despite its serious themes, the film is also quite funny, with plenty of moments of humor and levity to balance out the more dramatic scenes. Lenny Henry, in particular, is a standout, bringing his trademark wit and charm to the role of Madgett. John Shea is also excellent as Dixon, imbuing the character with a rough-edged charisma that makes him both likable and infuriating.

Overall, Coast to Coast is a heartfelt and engaging film that explores important themes of addiction, friendship, and the power of human connection. With its beautiful cinematography, charming performances, and touching story, it's a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.