Couples best friends Darlene Dodd (Natasha Richardson), Lonnie Earl Dodd (Billy Bob Thornton), Roy Kirkendall (Patrick Swayze), and Candy Kirkendall (Charlize Theron) from Little Rock decide to go to Reno. Darlene and Roy don't know that Lonnie and Candy are having an affair. Lonnie dominates Darlene. Candy and Roy are trying to have a baby.It's a comedy without any actual jokes. It might actually work as an indie drama but it's obviously trying to be a comedy. It doesn't work and the movie is lesser for it. I can't blame the four actors if the material isn't there. The writers Brent Briscoe and Mark Fauser are better known as actors. The writing simply doesn't have it.

*****WARNING - CONTAINS SPOILERS***** I decided to buy this film as I wanted to see more Natasha Richardson films after she sadly passed away earlier this year. I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although the storyline had flaws, there were some exceptionally funny moments in the film. The whole cat-fight scene between Darlene and Candy in the Hotel was hilarious.I thought the acting was superb, you wouldn't have guessed that the late Natasha Richardson and Charlize Theron were putting their accents on. I loved Billy Bob Thornton's character, although his character is flawed, deep down he really does love his wife and wanted things to work out between them and his one liners were brilliant!! The late Patrick Swayze was brilliant as the not so clever husband of the gorgeous Charlize Theron. He was sweet and the pain on his face when it dawns on him that his wife and best friend have slept together is acted perfectly.It is sad watching this film now that two of it's stars are no longer with us and the last scene is incredibly touching and emotional.If you are looking for light hearted comedy with brilliantly cast actors, this is the film for you.

Just caught this film on cable. I noticed the cable TV guide gave it one star. While certainly not a great film, giving it only one star is a bit harsh. Granted, I wouldn't have wanted to sit through two hours of such a movie, but it breezes by in a relatively enjoyable 90 minutes or so (if even that). I must say, as an American I kinda cringe to think of how "Waking in Reno" must satisfy every unflattering stereotype about Americans in the eyes of Europeans. The four characters are about as Red State as you can get (one of the Arkansas accents is done with remarkable aplomb by British actress Natasha Richardson). Richardson and Charleze Theron, the two female leads are none too tough on the eyes (which the men will appreciate). And Billy Bob Thornton give his usual interesting performance (without a doubt the most intriguing actor in America today). Swayze is just so-so, but not much is demanded of him. Not much is demanded of anyone or anything, for that matter, by this harmless, and quite funny, bit of fluff. Make a note to catch the wry commentary and numerous deadpan jokes about redneck culture (the script could have been written by Jeff Foxworthy). As it is, I believe one of the writers is a childhood friend of Billy Bob's from Arkansas (no doubt Thornton's presence in the film, as well as that of big time stars like Theron, was as a favor to the writer/childhood friend of Thornton). The movie reaches it climax at a Monster Truck show. That alone should be all you need to know about the setting and plot. I give it a recommendation to catch on cable/satellite if one of your movie stations is carrying it, though there are probably better things to spend your money on at the video shop.

We rented this movie not knowing what to expect. I like all the stars and that is what made me pick this movie off the shelf. It was highly entertaining. We laughed through the entire move. We even watched it twice.