Two more movies about living off the grid—and finding your bearings in the people you love.
The Terminal (2004; Paramount+, free on Pluto!)
When the obscure European nation of Krakozhia is thrown into turmoil, a traveler (Tom Hanks) finds himself stuck in the JFK airport until he has an official nationality. This little-known gem is a diamond. You get all the heart of a good Spielberg movie (it is a good Spielberg movie) and all the great cinematography of a good Spielberg movie and all the heart and great acting of Tom Hanks. And it has a little bit of an edge to its heart, as the best heart does—a little melancholy as we face the challenges of modern immigration restrictions and get to know a few people who live on these margins. Don’t miss the close-up of the Department of Homeland Security seal—in a film made shortly after this was established.
The movie feels empowering. Watching Victor learn to navigate a new language, a new environment, and even build a sort of family is incredibly heart-warming. There’s a formidable villain, making Victor’s small victories all the more potent. In short, this movie is as sweet as Joe Versus the Volcano, but without the dark humor. It just feels like it loves life—and people.
For sensitive viewers: Some suggestive dialogue and language. Brief drinking, smoking, and someone caught smuggling drugs. Also, a scene of threatened violence.
Roughshod (1949; HBO Max, YouTube TV)
A single dad and his son reluctantly pick up four saloon girls and they drive horses to their Sonora ranch. This is a surprising Western. It has the charm of a family sitcom (single dad and likeable kid), the wonder of entering a whole new world off the beaten path, the suspense of dodging outlaws, and uniquely intelligent dialogue. The women are street-smart; this family is wilderness-smart. Both sides can learn from one another—and have a little more grace for one another.
Gloria Graham always plays the same character. Remember Oklahoma! (“I’m just a girl who…”)? That’s her. Remember Violet in It’s a Wonderful Life? That’s her, too. Here, for once, she gets to play the same character with more complexity—with a head on her shoulders, and a three-dimensional heart. Seeing her in a leading role is a rare treat.
I don’t love the climactic action sequence or the violence leading up to it (it’s a Western, so there’s guns). But at its heart, the movie is very redemptive.
For sensitive viewers: A gang of outlaws does violent things. People get shot or abused. The worst of it is just implied, but it’s still a little distressing.
(Speaking of redemption: Although the movie is currently unavailable outside HBO Max, it appears to be leaving in 2 weeks. Perhaps it will enter the realm of freedom…?!)
Nathan’s… Update
Soon I will be a little like Victor, making my way through airport security again. They patted me down last week. I promise I’m not suspicious!
One last note: both movies for this week are good Father’s Day movies, in their own way. Happy Father’s Day, fathers.