Gas Food Lodging

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! GAS FOOD LODGING: “What does woman want?” Freud asked a century ago. Good question. Maybe the same thing most men want: To love and be loved, with some assurance that it will last. In other words, the impossible. Anders’ directorial debut illustrates the three phases of women’s relationship to men: Young Shade is brimming with mystery, hope and romance; beautiful Trudi is trapped between yearning and cynicism, destined to be a victim of circumstance; world-weary Nora has few illusions left, just disenchantment. Despite their experiences, all three are in equal measure tough and vulnerable, hurt yet hopeful, defensive and sensitive—and this film displays a tender clemency and vast compassion for their plight. Is it a “chick flick”? Oh, yeah. But it’s also a human movie, one that deserves to be appreciated by women and by the men who want to understand what they want. Bittersweet and innocent, wistful and hopeful, worldwise and sympathetic, “Gas Food Lodging” is a sweetly somber film which excels in conveying that aching yearning for connection that so often yields only disappointment—and is so seldom satisfied.

These are the most warmly, honestly and sympathetically developed characters of the 90s. I have watched this film over and over again because the persons depicted are real, relatable, and unglamorized and yet the audience is treated gently. Yes, there are real problems in single-mom families, but here, there is real love too. For everyone. This is feminine affirmation that you do not have to be a feminist to appreciate.

Actually this film is considered by most people to be one of the more memorable movies in the past 20 years. It was very indie in style and was different than your run of the mill trash on screen. Don't let trailers decide what you watch. It's a really good flick.

Thankfully it only cost 99 cents to be thoroughly disappointed with this movie...oh my, it was awful. The only bright spot, and I mean only, was the young actress that played the part of "Shady." Save your hard earned 99 shinny Lincoln's!