On the Road - Good cast - long film

`On the Road' is a good two hours long. And it feels every minute of it. I didn't know it was based on a book, so I can't say how faithful it is to that. However, from the other reviews I've read, I hear it misses several pertinent points from its source material.

It's about three men in their late teens in 1949 who like to hug each other. If one of them seems to be out of the room for more than a minute then they need to reinforce the bond between them at the earliest opportunity. They decide to go on a road trip while trying to meet women, take drugs and write a novel. It sounds like the plot to some sort of wacky American Pie type movie. I wish it was. The American Pie films were at least funny.

However, most of On the Road is simply a couple of guys hugging then mumbling to each other in one hotel room after the next (then hugging again).

Yes, it is well filmed. The scenery is great, as is the wild jazz soundtrack (if you like jazz; if you're into classical, then it probably won't be to your taste). Plus the actors, for what little they're given, all do well. And it's got some pretty decent actors, too. Sadly, it just doesn't really go anywhere. With some road movies, the protagonists have to get from point A to B. Whereas here, they are just driving aimlessly, so the film follows suit.

I believe the words, `Stick to the book' are in order (then have a nice hug with the guy next to you).

4/10 You can watch this film while you're doing the ironing (you'll still get the general gist of it)