Wendy and Lucy. 2008 (Grade B-)

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Any Awards? nominated for Independent Spirit Award

CAST:  Michelle Williams; Will Patton: Will Oldham; John Oldham; John Robinson;  Wally Dalton;  Larry Fessenden;  Ayanna Berkshire;  John Breen; Deneb Catlan

plot summary: Looking for a new start Wendy (Michelle Williams) is headed to Alaska to get a hope for high-paying job in the canneries.  She and her dog (Lucy) get stopped in Portland, Oregon (where this is filmed) when Wendy attempts to steal some dog food, gets arrested and then, once she is released by the police, can't find Lucy.  Things head down hill from there--as her car breaks down and her cash if growing short. 

sez says: this is a worthwhile looks at how alone a person can become--and how even small kindnesses can make all the difference in another person's life.  Success is creating a drama about trying to find a lost dog deserves credit:  Good work there, it is not such an easy assignment .  And the acting was first rate.   

mjc says:  familiar sites of Portland drive a simple story