The Comeback Trail
Ratings: 4.2/5
Duration: 1hr 44 min
Language: English
Genre: Crime- Comedy
Director: George Gallo
Writer: George Gallo, Josh Posner
Based On: The Comeback Trail by Harry Hurwitz
Producer: Philip Kim, Patrick Hibler, Joy Sirott Hurwitz, Julie Lott Gallo, Richard Salvatore, David E. Ornston, Jason Allison, Jordan Bouderau, Ray Bouderau, Natalie Burn, Justin Calvillo, Cathy Carlson
Music: Aldo Shllaku
Cinematography: Lukasz Bielan
Editing: John M. Vitale
Art Direction: Joe Lemmon
Release Date: 12 October, 2020
Released In: Theatres
Star Cast: Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, Emile Hirsch, Zach Braff, Patrick Muldoon, Malcolm Barrett, Natalie Burn, Eddie Griffin, Kate Katzman, Vincent Spano, Ekaterina Baker, Leslie Stratton, Nick Vallelonga, Michelle Maylene, Julie Lott, Josefine Lindegaard
Plot:
Two movie producers who owe money to the mob set up their aging movie star for an insurance scam to try and save themselves. But they wind up getting more than they ever imagined.
Review:
The Comeback Trail is a movie about movie-making. This new adaptation, directed by George Gallo, brings together three Oscar winning actors who each have more than 50 years’ experience in the industry- Robert DeNiro, Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones. DeNiro plays Max Barber, a penniless producer who is desperate for a big hit. Freeman plays Reggie Fontaine, a ruthless mobster who put up the finance for Max’s last unsuccessful venture. Jones plays Duke Montana, a washed up actor who is seriously contemplating suicide.
Robert De Niro is cast as a washed-up movie producer. His character desperately tries to revive his career after his latest failed attempt, an unprofitable effort.
The story is set in the 1970s and De Niro certainly looks the part. Equipped with long grey curls, aviator glasses and an ancient Cadillac t’s Hollywood, 1974. Max Barber (Robert De Niro) is a producer whose lack of success in churning out D-grade dirges precedes him. Barber works in partnership with his nephew, Walter Creason (Zach Braff). The pair’s latest film, Killer Nuns, a box office disaster is the subject of a serious trouble.
Financing of $350,000 has come from gangster Reggie Fontaine (Morgan Freeman). Fontaine now wants back the money he invested in the picture. But, of course, Barber doesn’t have it. Fontaine gives him 72 hours to stump up the cash with a dire warning.
Although silly, The Comeback Trail is also tremendous fun. The script by George Gallo (Bad Boys for Life) and Josh Posner- based on a 1982 film of the same name by Harry Hurwitz is wonderfully woven entertainment. Gallo’s direction allows the talent to shine.
The actors appear to be having a good time and it shows in their performances. The Comeback Trail may be a comeback of a kind for seasoned stars De Niro, Freeman, and Jones: all three very different from their usual kinds of role, proving versatility. This comedy drama seeks most of its potential from these leads. It is plotting and pacing is perfectly pitched.
The Comeback Trail is simply a good old-fashioned entertainment.
