Film Review

James Meier

Be careful what you wish for. Like a lot of other movies before it,

“Interstate 60” takes on that unoriginal premise. But the movie from

first-time director Bob Gale, co-creator of the “Back to the Future”

trilogy, does what it can to make it original. And for the most part, it

works.

It’s pointed out early on that while the Irish have leprechauns and

the Middle East boast genies, America has nothing to claim. Or do we?

You see, Neil (James Marsden of “X-Men”) wants to be an artist, though

his lawyer father has another plan. So, at his birthday in a St. Louis

restaurant, Neil makes a vague wish at the urging of a nearby patron,

O.W. Grant (Gary Oldman of “Air Force One”). The wish: For an “answer.”

Well, his search for that answer (and the girl of his dreams) leads

him on a road trip to deliver a package to Danver (spelled as such) along

the mysterious Interstate 60 (not to be confused with our Pomona

Freeway). Decisions are extremely important along this highway (read

alternate universe) leading Neil to often turn to his only constant

companion: an advising 8-ball.

Neil learns to go with flow on his trip, picking up eccentric

hitchhikers and (very mistakenly) driving off the beaten path a few

times. At one point, he picks up O.W. (“One Wish”) Grant, self-defined as

“just a guy who likes to mess with people’s heads.” Neil’s response: “You

should always have a job you enjoy.”

Much of the humor in “I-60” is similar, but one of the best jokes

comes when somewhat retired Michael J. Fox makes a quick cameo and quotes

one of his best “Back to the Future” lines. Also making brief appearances

are “Future” co-star Christopher Lloyd, Kurt Russell and Ann-Margret.

Rounding out the main cast are dream girl Lynn, played by Amy Smart

(“Road Trip”) and Chris Cooper (“American Beauty”).

Overall, the movie’s worth watching. You may even want to make an

extra effort to see it so you don’t fall behind in case sequels are made

(read possible trilogy).

* “Interstate 60” will play 5 p.m. Saturday at the Lido Theater, 3459

Via Lido, Newport Beach, with an encore screening at 1:30 April 18, also

in the Lido.