I must admit, I was planning to be on my cellphone while watching this but I decided that I had to pay tribute to the late Anton Yelchin. I was shockingly surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. Billy Crudup is good as he usually is but Yelchin was good, he made the movie more sincere I thought. Fishburne was a nice little addition to the cast that gave the movie a bit more star power.I say this is a movie to think about consequence but we never really understand what our actions will give birth to later on in our lives. We think that we are just living individually but this movie shows that what we do echoes on for a long time. The son's actions had a very big wave of consequence and this was felt throughout the movie by Crudup's character, you always got and uneasy feeling of restlessness from him and this is what made Crudup so good, he embodied what it would be like to be the father or someone who committed such a heinous act. If it was not for this he would not have found his love for music or the perspective it provided in a rough time of his life.This is not so much a review I know but if anyone is struggling with a life decision I think 'Rudderless' is a great movie to watch.

The synopsis for this got me interested. The music helped as well."Was it interesting?" The characters were well thought out. My biggest problem is with the "twist" or "reveal" at the 2/3 mark. Pretty much ruined the rest of the movie for me. I just didn't buy it at all.1.5 out of 3."Was it memorable?" The music was rather good. The cinematography, especially in the montages, was amazing. The ending felt a little flat.2 out of 3."Was it enjoyable?" Until the reveal, it was a good sit. Afterward, I was just waiting for it to end.1.5 out of 3.Starting with 1 (because it's a secret to everyone), 1 + 1.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 6 I can't say it was a waste of time, but probably will never watch again. Was Lawrence Fishburne really necessary? I understand William H Macy.

While at times it threatens to become a little too lathered in cheese and schmaltz, William H. Macy's debut directional effort Rudderless gets by on a fairly unique idea and enough heart and humour to carry this tale of loss, grief, redemption and music through to a satisfactory and untraditional conclusion.Imbuing his film with the persona and comedic timing that has made him one of the industry's most well respected and most recognisable character actors, Macy shows himself to be quite the story telling craftsman here especially concerning Rudderless's narrative arc that at a mid-way point takes an unexpected and loaded turn that makes a somewhat fuzzy first half become a lot more tolerable in hindsight.Front and centre in this study of a man grieving the loss of his son in a college shooting is Billy Crudup and actor well known for sadly never reaching the potential he so clearly has within and it's safe to his turn as one time high roller now painter for hire Sam is one of his best, not only of recent times but in his career. Alongside both Watchmen and Big Fish, Rudderless will be an extra enjoyable experience for Crudup fans and he both convinces in his musical moments, his emotionally loaded moments and his comedic timing and it's great to see the actor take a role on and nail it.It's arguable the Crudup is the main reason to sink your teeth into Rudderless and it's a wise move that Macy chose to plant him in almost all of the films scenes as when he takes a back seat Rudderless's flaws are more glaring right down from some questionable leaps of story progressions through to unbelievable side players like Laurence Fishburne's kindly music story owner Del.Rudderless will be enjoyed more with the least amount of pre-knowledge possible and while it never hits a perfect note between drama and comedy, this is a Hallmark like movie that transcends its weaknesses and becomes a likable if forgettable music filled drama.3 ruined regatta's out of 5

Played few times in my cable TV but miss the opportunity to watch the full movie. The song is wonderful, very nice, like the old coldplay maybe. When I watch the whole movie, it's above all of my expectation. Not just as cliché as lost family member and find some escape. It's build the strong story better with fact that reveal at later part of the movie. I like Billy Crudup's performance, and same as the other band's member. The background of Anton Yelchin is a bit limited but still good to deliver the connection. A very emotional movie to the point that I want believe that this is a true story. William H. Macy did a very good job. Will wait for his directing any other movie.