“Interstate 60” reaches for a fresh spin on magic realism and comes up with very little. First pic written and directed by “Back to the Future” producer Bob Gale tries to replay “Future’s” gee-whiz elements, featuring stars Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in supporting roles, but almost nothing about this odyssey’s themes of self-realization and wish-making feels genuine. While its hero desires to be a painter, there’s no evidence he has talent, and the film’s fable-like morals are delivered with juvenile obviousness. Pic won’t have B.O. wishes fulfilled during upcoming domestic release, but roster of stellar names will draw curious ancillary customers.
Popular on Variety
Neal resists his father’s plan of following Dad into the law, but his own artistic dreams are delayed by the work of a goofy gent named O.W. Grant (Gary Oldman), who has the power to grant wishes and the ability to puff green smoke out of an intimidating pipe. Lloyd’s Ray, with Grant, sends Neal on a ridiculous cross-country journey where he learns lessons in neo-conservative morals and meets one-note characters played by Chris Cooper, Kurt Russell and Ann-Margret, among others.
