Running On Empty

this movie is so powerful and definitely a favorite. love River Phoenix so so much.

This review is an excerpt from my book “Killer B’s: The 237 Best Movies On Video You’ve (Probably) Never Seen,” which is available as an ebook on iBooks. If you enjoy this review, there are 236 more like it in the book (plus a whole lot more). Check it out! RUNNING ON EMPTY: “You can run, but you can’t hide,” Satchel Paige is famous for saying. Artie and Annie discover a variation: You can indeed hide, for a while. But you can’t run forever, especially from your own past. “Running on Empty” is a family drama with a difference, involving us in the complicated lives of complex characters, including a budding romance between intelligent teens and the multiple ironies plaguing three generations of their family’s dashed dreams. It’s an intense, intelligent and deeply moving film about heart-wrenching crises, tough decisions and major sacrifices—and a film that cuts to the heart of what it means to be a family. Phoenix is exceptional as the sensitive, shy, vulnerable and confused teen who falls for tomboy Plimpton. The harmonious interplay of a smart script (convincing in its fascinating details of their lifestyle), understated direction, and A-level performances brilliantly accomplishes the difficult task of making the people in this outrageous situation seem not just sympathetic, but realistic and believable.

River Phoenix is so good :) it was sort of sad but also happy. If you luv river then you hav to see this movie

"Do you know how it feels to not to be able to see your child for 14 years?" I couldn't. And neither did Annie Pope, but yet she knows she has let her son Danny go. She has to let him live his own life. This movie breaks your heart, yet makes me smile because River showed his heart in every scene, even when his quiet or sad, River has your heart from the beginning. Today, movies sometimes lose the importance of family and friends, true love in relationships, and what it means to live by your heart. But this film has all those things and more. The movie might be short and simple, not action packed nor overly sensual, but it actually means something....appreciate and love the family you were given; because, you never know how long you have with them. I recommend you see this, because I think you will enjoy it. Every cast member makes this movie amazing, and without one person, it just wouldn't be the same. River <3

From the first time I saw this movie I was in love, just everything about it is awesome, I am a HUGE River Phoenix fan, and if you are too then this is perfect, it's the right lever of drama and the people are so charming, I love the birthday scene with that James Taylor song, now whenever I hear it I think of this movie. I highly recommend it :) RIP River Jude Phoenix <3

I didn't know what the film was about (didn't see the trailer, or read about it, just got it as a movie-of-the-week), but I was pleasantly surprised. This is a great film.

By Far The Best Movie I Hav Ever seen! this is such a sad beautiful film u need to see this espicially if ur a river fan!

Beautiful acting, writing and directing comes together to create an emotionally poiniant and moving film. Every character is fleshed out and real, every performance believable. No stereotypes, no bad-guy, no fancy camera work or special FX. Just a simple story of family, love, responsibility, and...letting go. Sidney Lumet once again delivers a classic, a film that can be appreciated by parents and kids of all ages (although there are some curse words in there, in case you're strict about your kids not hearing that). If you like this movie and you become a fan of Sidney Lumet, check out some of his other classic films like: SERPICO, 12 ANGRY MEN, THE VERDICT, and BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD. In the meantime, buy RUNNING ON EMPTY. Not only is it a great movie, but at 5 bucks, it's a steal.

One of those quietly affecting, bittersweet films that reveals new layers upon each viewing. Running On Empty is a well-told and well-acted story about family, loyalty, letting go, and a whole host of other themes handled with subtlety by script, director, and cast. While River Phoenix was deservedly Oscar-nominated for his role, and he owns many of the most poignant and memorable moments (sometimes shared by real-life girlfriend Martha Plimpton, with whom he has excellent chemistry), Christine Lahti is also very good as his mother. A bit of a tear-jerker, but in a good way.

this film is a truly classic heart-warming film starring the late great River Phoenix, if you are a River fan then this is a must have!