There was a time when Hollywood chose to make movies about
people from every walk of life. They weren’t specially challenged, didn’t toss
about political agendas, most were not super spies tracking down the latest bad
guy and very few were dressed in tights with super powers. Instead these movies
celebrated the normal average Joe and on occasion focused on the tough jobs
they performed, celebrating them in the process. John Wayne’s HELLFIGHTERS
comes to mind when I think of movies like this. Those movies are rare these
days. Thank goodness that didn’t stop LIFE ON THE LINE from being made.
John Travolta stars as Beau, a lineman in Texas wracked with
guilt after his brother dies of electrocution completing a job he should have
done. On the way to the hospital his brother’s wife is also killed when hit be
a semi. This leaves their daughter behind with only Beau to raise her, a job he
willingly takes with no qualms.
Years go by and Beau’s niece Baily (Kate Bosworth) has grown
into an upstanding young woman. The two of them have worked hard with the
intention of her going off to college. But Bailey has a problem to deal with
first. She’s still in love with Duncan (Devon Sawa), part of a family that Beau
is not keen on. As a matter of fact he’s not thrilled with Duncan either
viewing him as a stumbling block for Bailey.
When Duncan shows to take on the job of a new lineman Beau
isn’t pleased but works around him. At the moment they need all the men they
can get. A set of lines is being replaced and needs done before the storm
season kicks in. Face it, this is a movie and you know problems will arise with
this task.
Sub plots revolve around the new neighbors who just moved in
next door, Eugene and Carline (Ryan Robbins and Julie Benz). Eugene is
suffering from PTSD after returning from Iraq but not being treated for it.
Carline is wishing her husband were the man he was and eventually searches for
comfort elsewhere. Another subplot involves Ron, a young man obsessed with
Bailey who refuses to take no for an answer, basically stalking her.
As the film moves forward Beau and Duncan have their run in
and both learn what the other man is made of. The eventual storm, which we know
is coming since the movie continues to count down the days to the storm,
trouble does arrive. With power out across the county the men must concentrate
on bringing power back online. A suicide attempt and a confrontation in the
dark from Ron just adds more to the story as the men who risk their lives to
insure we all have power do so once again.
I know some will discount this movie because portions of the
plot seem like cut and paste moments from the standard melodrama playbook. The
thing is if it works it doesn’t matter. All the storylines on display here work
well with one another and intercept at various times forwarding the story
along. It is never a hindrance to what we are witnessing unfold.
Others will shoot this film down because of the accuracy
depicted of the men who work as linesmen. Rare is it that a movie gets a 100%
accuracy level when it comes to things like this. The goal of a movie is to
tell a story, not show the most minute details of the job being depicted. I
read one review that complained that the depiction of the linemen showed them
as boozing brawlers after work. I didn’t walk away with that. Knowing several
linemen in person I can tell you that coming home to a cold beer is not all
that unusual.
The film itself is entertaining and well-made on all levels.
The cinematography, even during rain sequences is clear and sharp. The sound
levels aren’t such that we can’t hear or understand the actors when they speak,
a personal gripe of mine with most movies today. And directing is well done
here too showing a talent for composition for the entire film and a coaxing of
great performances from the entire cast.
What most will watch this for is to see John Travolta. I
will say that I think he does an amazing job here. Don’t shoot him down for the
accent he chooses, it works. Perhaps the best thing is to see him performing in
a role that’s closer to his real age 63 than those roles chosen by most actors
his age playing characters far too young for them. He does it with such skill
and ease that for the most part you never pay attention to it.
On the whole I’m sad to see that this movie didn’t warrant a
major release in theaters. It deserves better than a straight to DVD release.
Some movies I’ve seen in theaters were not near as good as this one and a large
number of critically acclaimed films were not as enjoyable. So my suggestion is
that you seek this one out, rent it, buy it and watch it maybe more than once.
When you finish you’ll find yourself not only entertained but with a much
larger sense of gratitude for those who choose to make sure power arrives at
your doorstep.
Click here to order.
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