3373. Kodachrome (2017)

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Elizabeth Olsen, Ed Harris

Director: Mark Raso

Running Time: 100 mins

Kodachrome is an American film about a son who is called by his estranged and ageing father to accompany him on a trip across the country, to develop his photos in Kodachrome for the very last time.

For what seems like a fairly generic road trip movie at first glance, I was really impressed by just how touching and heartfelt Kodachrome was. Complete with three very tender performances from Jason Sudeikis, Ed Harris and Elizabeth Olsen, this is one of those few comedy-dramas where it’s the drama which really makes the movie.

Certainly, there is a good bit of fun to be had with Kodachrome, particularly the road trip element of the story, as we follow a dysfunctional father-son pairing alongside the ailing father’s nurse on a trip across the States, through gorgeous scenery and a series of mishaps amidst the more serious tale of the father and son repairing their relationship.

It’s never laugh-out-loud funny, but apart from a few exceptions, it’s not really meant to be. The light-hearted parts of the movie go a long way to making what can at times be a rather emotionally challenging story that little more pleasant, but it never distracts from the captivating drama of the main story.

And that’s what I really liked about Kodachrome. While it may be set up to have a bit of comedy and some chaos thrown in, it’s a really genuine and heartwarming story of a father and son rekindling their relationship after years of fracture, alongside an often cheesy but still sweet romance between Jason Sudeikis and Elizabeth Olsen.

The three lead actors work wonders in this regard, with a real eye for a tender and down-to-earth story about the enduring power of familial love, giving understated yet still charismatic and entertaining performances that makes them all a joy to spend time with over the course of the story.

As the story unfolds, there may be the odd moment of slightly sappy drama here and there, but it’s overwhelmingly a touching tale, and one that isn’t afraid to be a little more serious even when you’re not necessarily expecting it.

As a result, I was thoroughly impressed with Kodachrome. Expecting a generic road trip comedy-drama, I was delighted by the film’s genuine and heartfelt depth throughout which, along with moments of laughter and sweet (albeit occasionally cheesy) romance, really made me smile. So, that’s why I’m giving the film a 7.6 overall.