Movie Review: Off the Rails
Off the Rails is a breezy comedy drama adventure about three fifty-something women who reunite to honour a friend’s last wishes and repeat a European inter-railing adventure from their youth with her 18-year-old daughter. Set to the hits of American rock band Blondie, the soundtrack recalls Mamma Mia in relation to Abba’s music, as spirited adventure and nostalgia intertwine. While no one spontaneously breaks into karaoke, the wanderlust of freewheeling through Europe has its natural appeal and charms.
A great road movie concept, this ambling and promising holiday adventure is directed by Jules Williamson. The cast are game, comprised of Jenny Seagrove, Sally Phillips, Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips and the late Kelly Preston. Instead of Meryl Streep, it’s Dame Judi Dench as the matriarch, who sends them packing after an emotional speech at a funeral. Ben Miller and Frank Nero’s presence is appreciated but both seem to be underplayed.
Off the Rails struggles with depth – content to splash around in the shallow end with its thinly scripted Eurotrip. The characters have their reasons for breaking free, living it up and reconnecting with one another, but seem adrift – simply reacting to a series of events and circumstances. As fun as it tries to be, the intercity shenanigans, whirlwind romances and train trip hijinks are more check boxes than lived experiences.
“Are we having fun yet?”
Weaving in and out of Blondie’s hits, there seems to be an attempt to match the lyrics with what’s happening on screen but the idea never quite sticks. If Maddie’s mom had left her a Blondie tape and Walkman with a note, they could have blended this overarching music concept more elegantly.
Off the Rails is not demanding viewing and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which does help keep spirits high but the overall effect is rather underwhelming. Perhaps drawing on flashbacks from each stage of their journey could have added an extra layer of bittersweet nostalgia. Or maybe transporting their friend to a burial site after some stop-offs could have added to the hilarity in Little Miss Sunshine style. Off the Rails is not offensively bad, but lacks the texture and substance to amount to more than a lightweight and nostalgic jaunt.
The bottom line: Lightweight
