Waking Up in Reno (2002)

Director:

Jordan Brady

Writers (WGA):

Brent Briscoe (written by) &
Mark Fauser (written by)

Release Date:

13 December 2002 (Turkey)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

They're four close friends. Some closer than others.

Plot:

A romantic comedy about two trashy couples traveling to Reno to see a monster truck show.

Plot Keywords:

Monster Truck | Married Couple | Fertility | Beautiful Woman | Marriage Problems

Cast

Natasha Richardson	...	Darlene Dodd
Holmes Osborne	...	Doc Tuley
Billy Bob Thornton	...	Lonnie Earl Dodd
Patrick Swayze	...	Roy Kirkendall
Charlize Theron	...	Candy Kirkendall
Billy O'Sullivan	...	Lonnie Earl III
Galvin Chapman	...	Lane Dodd
Kelsey Chapman	...	Lacy Dodd
Cleo King	...	June
Chelcie Ross	...	Fred Bush
Brent Briscoe	...	Russell Whitehead
Mark Fauser	...	Boyd
Aszue Wilson	...	Mini-Mart Cashier
Hody Porterfield	...	Hodie at the Big Texan
Jo Harvey Allen	...	Waitress at Big Texan

MPAA:

Rated R for language and some sexual content.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Brazil:16 | Iceland:12 | Canada:A (Ontario) | Australia:M | Denmark:A | Germany:12 | Philippines:PG-13 | Singapore:NC-16 | South Korea:18 | UK:12 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Amarillo, Texas, USA

Company:

Crossfire Sound & Pictures

Trivia:

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston were both at one time attached to star in this, but dropped out prior to filming.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: When the group begins driving from Arkansas to Reno, they are seen near an exit sign for De Valls Bluff and Biscoe, Arkansas. This exit sign is on I-40 east almost halfway between Little Rock and Memphis, thus they were heading in the wrong direction for Reno.

Quotes:

Candy: You're like a mole. And I'm not talking about that THING on Cindy Crawford's face.

Movie Connections:

References "Melrose Place" (1992)

Soundtrack:

The Tequila Don't Kill Her

Underrated...B-

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.