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Summary: This Review Would be Redundant
Review: Much as I want to review this phenomenal movie, I cannot pretend that MichaelManfield's review below does not already say briefly and powerfully exactly what I'd want to say. His line, "The acting is unspeakably good" is absolutely true. And the scene between Christine Lahti and her father will forever stand out in my mind as one of the most affecting scenes I have ever witnessed, so that even remembering it now I'm half-reduced to tears again. And never in my life since Sonja and Andrei in "War & Peace" have I wanted two people to get together as badly as I wanted River Phoenix and Martha Plimpton to in this movie.Lumet is a celebrated genius of emotional intensity, and he was very very far from running on empty when he filmed this one. One of the most purely affecting human dramas I have ever had the privilege to watch.
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Summary: One of the greatest dramas ever made
Review: Not only is this one of the great dramas ever made, it is one of the best films ever made (my personal all-time favourite). Naomi Foner's script (Oscar nominated in 1988) deserves the highest praise. It is rare to witness this level of screenwriting and director Sidney Lumet milks it for all it's worth. At the same time, this is a film of tremendous subtlety and quiet power. The acting is unspeakably good. Christine Lahti, River Phoenix and Martha Plimpton should undoubtedly have won Academy Awards for their efforts in this film. Lahti's meeting with her father (played beautifully by Steven Hill) is among the most moving scenes you are ever likely to witness on film. Phoenix, whose Danny is the emotional core of the film, is utterly convincing. His confession to Lorna, Plimpton's character, might have been melodramatic but is rendered with complete truth and poignancy. Plimpton's unnaffected Lorna is a well of goodness. And Judd Hirsch, whose role is less sympathetic, is similarly extraordinary. Also noteworthy are Tony Mottolla's simple score - one of the most beautiful piano melodies you are ever likely to hear - and Gerry Fisher's flawless photography. Use of James Taylor's 'Fire and Rain' could not be more effective and moving. This is a film about family like no other you will ever see.
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Summary: Best of the Best. A great River Phoenix movie!
Review: One of River Phoenix's best movies. Right up there with Stand By Me. Danny Pope is the son of Annie and Arthur Pope, a couple who blew up a lab as an anti-war dmenstration. They have been on the run for fourteen years and now Danny wants to go to college. He is a very talented musician and this movie is awesome!
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Summary: River Phoenix at his best
Review: Probably one of River Phoenix's best performances--quiet, subtle and affecting. What many writers, directors and actors unsuccessfully convey through too many words, River triumphed in with a brief look. I saw this in its original release and was moved beyond all thought. A family's undeniable devotion to one another and the painful sacrifices that each member makes in order to give the other happiness is the truest testament of what defines a family's love. Danny Pope's struggle for independence, stability, his love for music and a desire to study at Julliard. But his devotion and committment to his family is heartwrenching. Seeing Christine Lahti's character having lunch with her stoic father and begging for his forgiveness will floor you, and this his reaction when she leaves is a double whammy. A great drama that is beautifully executed.
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Summary: Powerful Beyond All Words
Review: Reading through all the reviews posted here with tears in my eyes recalling all the powerful scenes, I realize there isn't anything I can add to what's been said about this marvelous movie. This definitely makes my top three list, and I can't even think of the other two. I try to watch it once or twice every year just to remind myself how good it is. I would however like to mention one other outstanding performance that may have been overlooked. Jonas Abry as River Phoenix's younger brother is fantastically natural and different from the cliched siblings depicted in other films. After seeing this film I sometimes sit in stunned silence as the credits roll. It makes me wonder why all the mindless formula movies with big special effects are even necessary.
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Summary: Just right for my grandson to see
Review: Real teen love affair Not the screaming flair of obscene extremes he considers to be love affairs
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Summary: Marlon Brando, James Dean, Jack Nicholson, RIVER PHOENIX
Review: River Phoenix was a teenager when he was acting in this film. His performance was more like Jack Nicholson in the early 70's or James Dean in the 50's. He is one of the greatest actors who ever lived. River Phoenix was such a great looking young man but he never let his looks be the star of a film. He had incredible emotional depth and a raw, personal style of acting that few actors have ever come close to. I would say his performances in "Running On Empty", "Dogfight", and "My Own Private Idaho" rank among the greatest in film history. If you enjoy this movie, you might also enjoy Jack Nicholson's "Five Easy Pieces".
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Summary: ALL-STAR-CAST FILM
Review: River Phoenix, Christine Lahti and Judd Hirsch are all stupendous in this Sidney Lumet production. Unlike Hollywood, this is lowkey thriller/drama, but most of all it is River...
It`s a GENIUS in work here... His work seems so simple... But it isn`t. He manages 2 show us his feelings through his expressive face... It`s a MAGICIAN in work.
He lost the supporting role Oscar 2 Kevin Kline(I Fish Called Wanda), but of course... That was ANOTHER good performance.
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Summary: Brilliant
Review: Running on Empty is a brilliantly acting and well written movie. River Phoenix always seems to capture his character perfectly and even more so in this film as he plays a young aspiring Juliard pridigy. Judd Hirsch is also very convincing as he makes the smooth transition from "Alex," a cabby on the sit-com "Taxi", to an ex-hippie war protester in this magnificent film. If you haven't seen this film go check it out, it's one of my very favorites!
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Summary: River Phoenix in Academy Award Nominated Role
Review: RUNNING ON EMPTY(1988) is a powerful drama about guilt, loyalty and love. Three items that can destroy lives... River Phoenix`character Danny Pope finds a way out thanks to first love and a dose of courage. The performances are truly outstanding; River Phoenix, Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch and Martha Plimpton all excell in their roles...
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