On the Road

The Observer“This is ultimately a rather sad film, as most road movies are...” Salles and his screenwriter José Rivera give shape to what many have seen – wrongly I think – as a rambling, incoherent narrative. They make powerfully affecting the final break...

Radio Times“It's beautifully shot, handsomely mounted and well cast...” ut Salles rarely hits the necessary freewheeling atmosphere to make this strangely flat road trip an absolute must-see, either for fans of the book or those curious over a past mythological lifestyle...

Little White Lies“Can neither transport nor transcend...” A memorial, perhaps. A fitting monument to something passed, suitably solemn but absent its own spark of life. A film fixed irresistibly on its own rear-view mirror...

The Independent“Seems a little safe and groomed, like spring break in workshirts...” The Beat faithful won't feel betrayed by this honourable attempt; but while it's not a damp squib, it's no Roman candle...

Empire“Desperately conservative, a period-precise cover version...” A decent, well-cast and mounted adaptation that hits all the right notes but plays them in a respectful, muted monotone...

The Telegraph“The supporting cast is tremendous...” The Kerouac mythology can be a chore if you don’t get it, of course, and I’ve often thought myself more or less immune. This alluring and honest treatment proved me wrong...

Guardian“Stiflingly reverent towards its source material, and indeed itself...” What seemed rhapsodic and euphoric on the page here looks smug, self-regarding and intensely self-conscious. When the actors start mouthing ersatz-passionate dialogue about poetry and novels, the movie starts to flatline...

Time Out film“Refuses to turn the men’s conflicted relationship into melodrama...” The bull-nosed cars, jazz soundtrack and soft light of a bygone era are a joy. If you’ve got a feel for vintage Americana, or the bebop pulse of Kerouac’s prose, you’ll absolutely get this...

Total Film “The texture and period detail are beautiful...” It may lose its way on occasions, but thanks to a committed cast and a script that captures the Kerouac vibe, Salles’ adaptation never ends up on the road to nowhere...