Review

by Sam S

Albert Brooks hits the road

Advertising executive David Howard (Brooks) takes a cue from his favourite movie ‘Easy Rider’ and leaves society for the road. All he needs is his wife, an RV, and a precious ‘nest egg’ of all the money they own. Their fantasy doesn’t get very far; on their first night in Vegas David finds his wife in the casino using the nest egg to realise a latent gambling addiction. Albert Brooks' has written and directed a small collection of great comedies since the late 70s, and while his brand of observational humour appears gentle it is actually very insightful. The film ends up being a funny comment on the American Dream as David transforms from 80s businessman to American dreamer. Highlights include Brooks’ exasperation at not being promoted and an outburst at his wife on a visit to Hoover Dam.