Gas Food Lodging

Gas Food Lodging tells a very simple story about a family that could live off the exit ramp of just about any highway in America. Narrated by Shade (Fairuza Balk), its works well as an lighthearted slice-of-life movie about a teenager stuck in a stifling small town with relatively no means of escape. The characters are all well realized, with the relationship between mother Nora (Brooke Adams) and daughter Trudi (Ione Skye) especially true to life. While some of the acting comes off as amateurish, the dingy desert settings and kitchen-sink realism almost makes up for it. There is nothing new here as far as story goes, just a believable drama dealing with issues of divorce, pregnancy, and basic small-town survival. Anders throws in a few bits of fun with the fictional Elvia Rivero (Nina Belanger) films, which are the overly dramatic black-and-white Mexican movies Shade goes to see to detach herself from the boring daily life of Laramie. James Brolin also makes a notable appearance as Shade's real father, convincingly portraying a rugged cowboy's meager attempts at parenting. Best appreciated by teenagers, Gas Food Lodging lovingly captures plain existence and succeeds as a plausible domestic melodrama. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide

A sensitive, narratively sound first effort from independent filmmaker Allison Anders, Gas Food Lodging explores the turmoil created by women abandoned by men who don't care about them. An effective study of working-class women, the film's slim budget curtails some of its ambition, but it's hard not to be intrigued on some level. All three female leads are superbly cast and offer fully realized performances, while the supporting cast makes a strong impression, especially James Brolin in a small but pivotal role. Anders isn't much of a cinematic stylist, but her foundation is solid and her tale a good one. The film was a labor of love for the director, who actually lived the life Lodging portrays, waiting tables and receiving welfare before raising the money for this modest and engaging first feature.

~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide