Before the advent of the Lifetime or Women's Entertainment networks, wherein made-for-cable movies regularly turn up about female bonding amidst great inner turmoil, something slight like "Leaving Normal" actually made a run in theaters; today, I doubt that would happen. Abused wife Meg Tilly hitches up with world-weary Christine Lahti for adventures on the road. It's a feminist comedy-drama with a few thoughtful things to say, but too much melodramatic nonsense and curious attempts at broad humor which do not work at all. Edward Zwick directed, and he gets this tale off to a shaky start (and Lahti, in particular, seems to struggle to find her character). It improves as it goes along, but not enough to make it a memorable trip. ** from ****

The first time I saw this movie I was unsure if I would like it. I just saw it sitting on the shelf in my local video store and it intrigued me. I rented it, took it home, and popped it into the VCR. I sat back and was taken to another place. I laughed. I cried. I became a part of the story. No other movie has affected me in such a way. I find that dialog from the movie has worked it's way into my everyday speech patterns. I find myself wanting to make a journey where I make no decisions, where fate takes me where it will. I find myself laughing every time I see "flan". I highly recommend this movie to everyone, not just women. It is sweet and tender and hard and real all at the same time. Just watch it. You will love it!!!

I only saw 'Leaving Normal' because it was on Sky TV one night and there was nothing else on, so, I decided to watch it. I wasn't expecting much of it, as most things on that last at night are usually things that are too boring to be on earlier. However, I was very surprised by it, I actually enjoyed it. It's a story about the friendship between Darly and Marianne, who met at a bus-stop after Marianne ran away from her abusive husband. Darly is going to Alaska and decided to take Marianne along with her, sort of like a daughter figure. Marianne always likes to look on the bright side of things which leads her into bad situations. Darly is assertive but good-natured, she means well. And because she was so witty it made the film much more enjoyable. The first half of the movie is a road-movie, Which consist of the troubles they face of trying to get to their destination, and when they get there, they want to leave, at least Darly does. It's a light-hearted drama and all ends well. Worth a watch.

No, there is no such place as Normal, Wyoming...except maybe on a psychological landscape. Leaving Normal is the story of an unusual journey and friendship. Meg Tilly as Marianne Johnson is a wide-eyed naif who has never made a good decision in her rambling life. Christine Lahti (now seen on ER) is a cynical cocktail waitress whose choices haven't been much better; together the two somehow cobble a relationship that enriches both, as well as some oddball others. They travel to Alaska, where each finally has the room she needs to build a life. You will probably find this movie in the comedy section of your video store, but it doesn't really belong there, even though some of the dialogue is HILARIOUS. Some nice cinematography, particularly the 4th of July scenes and the aurora borealis. The coffee mug motif is pretty cool, too. Will appeal to anyone who liked Thelma & Louise or Fried Green Tomatoes but wished the heroines of these would have been alive at the end. See it!