I too was taken in by the lack of attendance for the film at the theatres. I saw it when it was released, and then on Netflix several times, and now I have purchased six copies for gifts. The story hits so many points with life in general and any one can relate to something in the movie.www.authordebbiefogle.com

This movie plays out as a road trip for 3 women from Idaho who are good friends, but the core of the story is how one woman handles the loss of her husband of 20 years, with conflicting motives for his remains.Jessica Lange is Arvilla, she is the second wife. Her husband's body has just been cremated as Christine Baranski as her husband's deceased daughter Francine shows up. Francine feels very strongly that her dad's ashes belong in California along with her mother's remains.But Arvilla reminds Francine (no love there between the two) that his wishes were to remain with Arvilla, who cannot bear the thought of him ending up near Francine's mother. Surely it is spelled out in the will.But there is no will, seems he never got around to writing a new one, and the only valid will has him not only being with his first wife, but also giving the house to Francine. Because it was made before he and Arvilla ever became a couple.But Francine, in her "generosity", will allow Arvilla to keep the home in Idaho if she will get the ashes to California for the memorial service.Kathy Bates as Margene and Joan Allen as Carol agree to go along for moral support, they were all to fly from Salt Lake City, but Arvilla has a change of plans -- they will drive there in the 1966 Bonneville that was her husband's pride possession.Along the way Arvilla stops off at various places that had special meaning to her and her deceased husband. Each time she scatters a little bit of his ashes, I suppose figuring that Francine didn't need all of the ashes. Along the way they also meet up with some characters. Tom Skerritt is Emmett, the trucker, he and Margene seem to hit it off. Young Victor Rasuk is Bo Douglas, working his way to New Mexico to find his father.A decently entertaining movie. Good actors.SPOILERS: As it turns out Arvilla scatters all of his ashes, but quick-thinking and practical Carol scoops up some ashes from a campfire. Although late for the service they finally show up, but a trip-up causes the urn to fall to the floor and shatter, scattering ashes everywhere, including the beer bottle cap. Busted!! But in the end Arvilla knew she did what she had to do, and if she lost her house she would make out OK with friends like Carol and Margene. Or, it may be a good use for the $176,000 that Carol guiltily won in the Vegas slot machine, from tokens given to her by a hooker when her 'john' showed up.

Excellent Movie.Good Landscapes and a great Bonneville.This story about the reunion of three elderley ladies,open a world of wonderful experiences of friendshipand ways to revive it.It also outlines the attitude towards life which is more important that the way we normally approach it.Spontaneous love,subcutaneous love and everlasting love...all have been depicted in this fabulous movie.Excellent Movie.Good Landscapes and a great Bonneville.This story about the reunion of three elderley ladies,open a world of wonderful experiences of friendshipand ways to revive it.It also outlines the attitude towards life which is more important that the way we normally approach it.Spontaneous love,subcutaneous love and everlasting love...all have been depicted in this fabulous movie.

This is a great movie! The scenery is breathtaking and Kathy Bates is hysterical. Lots of fun! It moves really well, and I especially liked the totally different personalities of the three friends. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! We were in a full theater and people were laughing out loud. I haven't seen Jessica Lang in a movie for a long time, so it was a pleasure to see her back in action. Kathy Bates adds so much to anything she appears in. I still wonder if Jessica Lang kept her house? Sequel in the making? I wonder how many days/weeks/months it took to shoot this movie. Cinematography should win an award. Maybe we'll see that at the Oscars next year?