I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The first must-see film of the year.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Though the schmaltz gets piled on like only Hollywood can *SIGH* I've never actually heard of this film before, having now looked at IMDb I now realize it was only given a very limited release by Warner's now defunct Independent arm and wasn't successful in that.It's not bad...but without Caine's & Walken's inclusion this would have been a TV Movie. Michael Caine (Sporting an odd accent has been made up to be an elderly man as he plays Christopher Walken's Father despite in real life only being 10 years his senior) plays Henry Lair, Walken plays his son Turner, Josh Lucas plays Turner's son Jason & Jonah Bobo plays Jason's son Zack....OK GOT THAT? GOOD.Turner (Walken) walked out on his family 30 years ago, and returns because his Father Henry (Caine) is gravely Ill....and dies in a KFC Restaurant (KFC must have paid a few bob to have such a huge advert) but not before leaving various notes to his Son,Grandson, & Great-grandson on what he wants doing with his ashes, so they embark on a road trip while at first failing to get along, end up of course making up and becoming a happy family in the process....But Turner hides a secretYes, at times this is rather too sickly & Schmaltzy but First time writer/Director does a good job with a surprisingly good script..but really this is just a superior Lifetime or Hallmark TV Movie with proper actors, and didn't stand a chance at the BOX-Office,Do I recommend it...Well yes I do, if only for the performances and pretty locations***1/2 out of *****

To see this movie! Humor, pathos, sufficient acting, sensitive and thoughtful subject matter (without getting sappy), well-chosen locations, and a compact story help as well.I hear the DVD has many missing scenes that are good as well, but I've always caught this one on the television.Caine is funny and of course eminently watchable in just about anything he is in (Sleuth comes to mind!). Walken handles his role with understated aplomb. You find him slightly distasteful, but quite a scene stealer anyway, and quite likable. The younger family members are cast well.A believable film.

Father-son movies can quickly turn into sappy soap operas. Grandfather-father-son-grandson movies can drown you in cheap syrup. You gotta watch 'em. Around The Bend, though, keeps it grit and its soul right to the bitter-sweet end. The actors - Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, John Lucas and Jonah Bobo - are completely at home in their rolls. The writing is intelligent and real. If you've traveled the American West, the people and places along the road to hopeful redemption are familiar. Unless you were born of angels, so are the main characters. Take a good story, weave a perfect rock and roll soundtrack through it and stuff it into a Kentucky Fried Chicken sack. Now load it into a junkie old VW bus and sprinkle it very lightly with magic dust. What you got is a trip to someplace worth going. I love this movie!

If you cannot enjoy the value of a film with mixed views on death and how, why, when, what, for and how we deal with it, don't bother. If you can, be ready for a really enjoyable film.The tune, mixed with the film in "8" on the CD is enough to make you know these guys are right on time.I'm not giving the film away by telling you too much but if you read what I've said and view it because of it... you know how I see and all movies I comments will only give you what you need to make your own decision.Family gets together to see to an old mans wishes upon his death be done.Involves peeing on ashes so MNBSFW.