Middle of Nowhere is an independent film and another example of a dark comedy that tries too hard to be funny. They had a weak storyline, but a very strong cast, and I felt it was a film that could have easily been a lot better. Dorian (Anton Yelchin) is a spoiled kid, who never had to work a day in his life. After yet another rebellious act against his parents, the seventeen year old is sent to live with his uncle for the summer. He starts working at the local water park, where he meets Grace (Eva Amurri), a girl who is his complete opposite. She is desperate to earn money for school and Dorian is looking to act out, so the two decide they can both achieve their goals by selling pot together. The story doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to me, because the characters are nothing like they describe themselves to be. Dorian is rich and only there for a couple of months, he doesn't need the money, so why take the risk? Grace, she's always had to be the mature one, taking charge of her family, but we don't see her do that at all. The film is definitely a bit strange, while at the same time being somewhat slow and predictable, but what makes it worth seeing is Anton Yelchin. The Russian born, former child actor, has such charisma and really thrives in roles like this. If you saw Charlie Bartlett, then you know exactly what I am talking about. Yelchin is on another level, outgoing, energetic, quick witted, he's the kid in this film, but as it would turn out, he's also the smartest one of all. Yelchin's personality is larger than life and he will completely draw you in, sadly, other than his performance, this film wasn't much of anything. The story is predictable, the humor is dry, and the rest of the cast really wasn't anything special.

a nice film. about a boy, a girl, theirs life and families. good story, good cast. and the flavor of reality in a special atmosphere. nothing complicated, all - honest and clean. sure, axis are Susan Sarandon performance and charming Anton Yelchin manner, not different by usual way, to do his character as collection of sparkles. but the film gives more than a good show. a lot of questions. a bitter air. crumbs of hope. funny moments, in a form, a lesson about life but not very serious. because it is only a honest story. without great ambitions.without desire to convince. only in indie clothes. and this is its basic virtue.

If you liked 'Blue Valentine', 'Half Nelson', 'Crazy/Beautiful' or 'All That I Love (2009)' you're certainly gonna like this one.I wasn't expecting really much to be honest but gave it a try and what a nice surprise it was. Don't expect anything dumb or crazy, another stupid teen flick this is not. Just normal young (but very smart and reasonable) people who struggle to find themselves and try to do something worthwhile with their lives. This film is a pretty good definition of the so called 'Gen Y'. Everything is authentic and it is this film's biggest advantage. So if you're in your early 20's and want to watch a film about people like you, go ahead, you won't be disappointed.Kudos to John Stockwell. I admire his way of portraying things in an unpretentious, real and laid-back fashion. He really understands this day's youth and should get more credit for it.

This film is about a teenage girl who is trying to finance her college. As she does not get the support she needs from her mother, she has to find alternative measures."Middle of Nowhere" wants to cover a lot of emotions by having many subplots. It wants to tell a teenage girl's struggle financially, her relationship with her family, and also her romantic life. I think it wants to be too much, sometimes it is a touching drama about broken family dynamics, sometimes it is a drama about teenage romance, and sometimes it is an introspective, self searching drama. It ends up not being very engaging, and a bit unfocused. Even though the scene where Grace confronts her mother about the death of the father is very touching, it could have had even higher impact if the script was tighter.