The Neon Highway (2024)

A Flawed but Heartfelt Exploration of Country Music Dreams

“The Neon Highway” is a 2024 American drama film that delves into the world of country music, featuring a mix of seasoned actors and real musicians. Directed by William Wages and co-written by Phillip Bellury and Wages, the film stars Rob Mayes as Wayne Collins, an aspiring singer-songwriter, and Beau Bridges as Claude Allen, a once-great country music star. The film has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, with opinions varying widely on its execution and impact.

One of the most frequently mentioned aspects of “The Neon Highway” is the performance of Beau Bridges. Critics have praised Bridges for his portrayal of Claude Allen, noting his ability to bring charm and vulnerability to the character. His performance is described as “crafty” and “cagey,” effectively capturing the essence of a washed-up country star trying to make a comeback. However, some critics felt that Bridges’ character did not ring true, with his ordinary voice failing to support the conceit of an old-time country great. This discrepancy in opinions highlights the polarizing nature of Bridges’ performance.

Rob Mayes, who plays Wayne Collins, has also received mixed reviews. While some critics appreciated his musical talents and found his performance credible, others felt that he was overshadowed by Bridges and that his acting was not as strong as his singing. The dynamic between the two leads is central to the film, and their partnership forms the crux of the narrative. However, the chemistry between them has been described as lacking by some reviewers, which affects the overall impact of the story.

The film’s storyline, which revolves around Wayne’s pursuit of a country music career and his partnership with Claude, has been criticized for being underwhelming and clichéd. Several critics pointed out that the film falls into common country music tropes and fails to find its narrative groove. The plot, which includes a car accident that derails Wayne’s ambitions and a changing music industry that is not interested in their song, has been described as predictable and lacking in suspense. Despite these criticisms, some reviewers appreciated the film’s heartwarming elements and its portrayal of second chances and hope.

The music in “The Neon Highway” has generally been well-received, with many critics noting that the songs are a highlight of the film. The title track, performed by Lee Brice, has been praised for its catchiness and relevance. The inclusion of real musicians and recording artists like Lee Brice and Pam Tillis adds authenticity to the musical elements of the film, according to reviews. However, some critics felt that the music was better than the movie itself, indicating that the film’s narrative did not live up to the quality of its soundtrack.

The film’s ending has also been a point of contention among reviewers. While some found it clever and satisfying, others felt it was soppy and unconvincing, particularly the sudden turnaround of Wayne’s brother. The lack of a strong, cohesive conclusion has left some viewers feeling unsatisfied with the overall story arc.

“The Neon Highway” has been noted for its positive themes, such as selflessness, integrity, and the importance of family. These themes are subtly woven into the narrative, but some critics felt that the film’s attempt at subtlety ultimately hurt its impact. The film’s depiction of the cutthroat nature of the music industry and its indictment of greed are also highlighted as significant elements.

Despite its positive aspects, “The Neon Highway” is not without its flaws. The film has been criticized for its lack of direction, with some reviewers noting that it feels like a modest B-movie melodrama that gets some things right about country music but misses the mark on others. The storytelling has been described as lackadaisical, with little suspense or emotional stakes. Additionally, the film contains strong obscenities and frequent drinking, which some viewers may find off-putting.

In summary, “The Neon Highway” is a film that has divided critics and audiences. While it features strong performances from Beau Bridges and a solid musical soundtrack, its clichéd storyline, lack of narrative cohesion, and mixed acting performances have garnered it a range of reviews. With an average rating of 5.7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes and a 50% approval rating from critics on Metacritic, the film offers a heartfelt but flawed exploration of the country music dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch The Neon Highway?

“The Neon Highway” is available to stream on several popular platforms:

• Netflix – The film is streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
• Amazon Prime Video – Rent or purchase the movie to watch on Prime Video.
• YouTube – Rent or buy the movie to stream on YouTube.
• Iwatchonline – Watch the full movie for free (with ads) on this streaming site.

Is The Neon Highway based on a true story?

No, “The Neon Highway” is not based on a true story. It is a fictional drama film written by Phillip Bellury and William Wages, the director. However, the film aims to capture the authentic struggles and dreams of aspiring musicians in the country music industry.

Who are the main actors in The Neon Highway?

The two lead actors in “The Neon Highway” are:

• Beau Bridges as Claude Allen, a former country music star trying to make a comeback.
• Rob Mayes as Wayne Collins, an aspiring singer-songwriter who partners with Claude.

What is the runtime of The Neon Highway?

The runtime of “The Neon Highway” is approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes (112 minutes).

What is the age rating for The Neon Highway?

“The Neon Highway” has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for language and some thematic elements. Common Sense Media recommends the film for ages 14 and up due to strong language and drinking.

What are the reviews saying about The Neon Highway?

The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances and music but criticism for its clichéd storyline and lack of narrative cohesion. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an average rating of 5.7/10 and a 50% approval rating from critics.