My favorite road-trip movie.

Last night, I entered in an Entertainment Weekly Facebook contest. It was quite simple- all I had to do was answer what I believed was the best road-trip movie. The prize? A free copy of "Due Date" on Blu Ray. It wasn't a big prize, but hey! it was free and easy to enter. I didn't win, but it made me think long and hard about which movie I thought was the best.

There were people entering "The Hangover" and "Star Wars" and "Toy Story 2"... all of which were quite ridiculous, except for Star Wars perhaps. There may not have been any 'roads' but I could consider that type of movie. Nevertheless, some people went on very thin stretches to try to come up with a unique answer. Those who went with the "of course" choices voted "Plains, Trains, & Automobiles", "Vacation", & probably the most answered was "Thelma & Louise"... all good choices, but none of which I thought was the BEST road-trip movie.

Here's what I consider when I'm thinking of the greatest "Road Trip" movie: 1) There has to be humor. If there's no humor, then why even go on a road trip. It's supposed to be about fun, and if the people in the movie aren't having fun, then neither is the audience. 2) It has to be dramatic. There has to be a confliction of some sorts. Some people like an easy-going movie with not-so-much suspense. I think there has to be a lot of suspense. 3) There has to be a goal. Going out and having fun is not a good movie to me. They have to be going somewhere- to a destination. I don't care if they make it or not, just as long as they try. 4) The characters have to grow. It doesn't necessarily have to be a "coming-of-age" movie, but they have to learn something or take something from the road trip.

So, out of these four things I pretty much always consider when I watch any movie (not just road trip movies) I come up with a huge list. Now, a lot of moves easily fit into all of those stipulations, however, I chose 2 of what I believe to be the greatest road trip movies. I won't write about them, but I'll post links to the movies.

#2: Thelma & Louise



#1: Wild America



"Wild America" has to be one of the greatest road trip movies of all time. If you haven't seen it, go check it out. It's not too old, but it'll make you laugh, perhaps cry at some point. But ultimately, you'll enjoy watching it.