by Michelle Lupia

I gotta admit - this was a favorite movie of mine back in 1993, so when given the assignment I kinda already knew the answer. But it is true that certain movies that I once loved now make me feel all the feels that I never want to feel. So I tried to watch the movie with fresh new eyes.

And in so doing I have come to the conclusion that yes this movie is Rated M for Meesh. It does make you feel the feels but it is not overly dramatic, the violence for the most part happens off screen, it is not very graphic, and it’s not really a drama... it is more of a road trip movie with an unlikely pair, with a lot of funny, very quirky bits. I really love the tone of the movie and the direction by Clint Eastwood.

I remember back in the day everyone that saw this flick was saying how Butch (played by Kevin Costner) was a makeshift father figure to this eight year old fatherless hostage Phillip, and I bought into that too, because why not. But on deeper reflection it’s not a father-son relationship being forged here. It is a very special relationship between friends, a friendship built on deep introspection, kindness, caring and guidance...

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