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Cast: Ron White, Ray Stevenson, Kevin Bacon, Robert Duvall, Billy Bob Thornton, Shawnee Smith, Tippi Hedren, Katherine LaNasa, Robert Patrick, John Hurt, Frances O'Connor
It’s 1969 in a small Alabama town, and the death of a quirky clan’s long-estranged wife and mother brings together two very different families for the funeral. But do the scars of the past hide differences that will tear them apart or expose truths that could lead to the most unexpected collisions of all?
The setting is Set rural Alabama, the year is 1969. We are immediately introduced to the Caldwell family. They are as well off money wise as they are dysfunctional. Robert Duvall plays the head of the family, he has a total of 4 children, three boys and one girl. a WWI vet, all three sons have been left a bit tarnished from their war experiences and each one carries their on baggage they must deal with. One day the father receives news that his ex-wife has passed away and her new husband is bringing her back to the states for her funeral and burial. Both families have their problems and neither family is over eager to have this meeting but what they don't know is that their time together will change them forever.
Jayne Mansfield's Car" is a drama with a nice dose of comedy tossed in and its main focus is on family. This the film was made in 2012 and the fact that it never received a wide release in theaters had me more than curious to see what it was all about. Without causing spoilers I can tell you that I can see why it did not get that release in theaters. The main reason is the story, now do not get me wrong here I enjoyed the film but for starters it was way too long, some editing would of done wonders. The story itself doesn't really go anywhere and the ending could of been a bit better as well.
Now on to what saved the film for me, the acting. Anytime you can get a cast together that includes Billy Bob Thornton, Robert Duvall, John Hurt and Kevin Bacon you know you got something special and no one disappoints, not even the supporting cast which includes a very funny performance from Ron White. The film was also directed by Billy Bob Thornton and I have to say it is about time he got behind the camera again.
I do not think the film is one you will want to revisit but it certainly demands to be seen at least one for its cast and their performances alone. Available on DVD and Blu-ray, both come with Special Features that include:
Behind The Scenes
You can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
I enjoyed the film a bit more than it deserves but you cannot help but hope and enjoy its terrific cast.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
*** 1/2 Out Of *****