(**) 

It’s rare that films venture into the world of autism. In that way, audiences will be grateful for this family dramedy, even though its far-fetched storyline misses the mark. 

Max (Bobby Cannavale), a New Jersey standup comic, leads an alternative lifestyle. He isn’t a 9-5 type and makes his money doing gigs. His ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne) is far more grounded and traditional. Ditto his dad (Robert DeNiro). Hence when Max kidnaps his 11-year-old son Ezra (William A. Fitzgerald) and goes on a car ride to L.A., it’s a big deal. Amber Alerts are issued, and he’s being hunted by law enforcement.

This odd mix of a serious subject matter and mildl comedy doesn’t’ gel well, seems misguided, improbable and about as deep as a TV movie. Nothing feels authentic. Too many fake Hollywood contrivances. 

Blame Tony Spiridakis’ well-intentioned but shallow screenplay. Responsibility goes to actor-director Tony Goldwyn for never getting to the heart of the folks on screen. In part because he’s working with a thin script that doesn’t help his actors create three-dimensional characters. Within those confines, Vera Farmiga, Whoopie Goldberg, Rainn Wilson and Daphne Rubin-Vega do their best in the supporting roles. 

All production elements are decent, from music to cinematography and production design. Yet nothing stands out or lifts this story above its noble ambitions. 

The only reason for an audience to hitch a ride on this road movie is to take a glimpse at a family that’s having issues parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Or to see Fitzgerald steal precious scenes from Cannavale. Or to watch the master actor Robert DeNiro hold sequences together that would otherwise fall apart.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nggReFAhT-YFor more information about the Toronto International Film Festival go to https://tiff.net/. 
Visit Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com