High Road (2012)

High Road Poster

Directed by Matt Walsh, a co-founding member of world-renowned comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, High Road showcases a totally improvised script about Glenn “Fitz” Fitzgerald (James Pumphrey), a young man whose loyalties are split among his band, his girlfriend Monica(Abby Elliottt) and selling drugs. After his band breaks up, Fitz finds himself dealing drugs out of his garage and bonding with 16-year-old neighborhood kid Jimmy (Dylan O’Brien). As his former band mates (Zach Woods, Matt L. Jones, Lizzy Caplan) begin finding success and one of his drug deals goes awry, Fitz hits the road with Jimmy. Amid car chases, guns, broken bones, sassy cabbies and a suspicious doctor (Horatio Sanz), Fitz has to navigate their way to safe harbor--and he doesn’t even know about the surprise Monica has in store for him back home!

Introduction
"High Road" is a 2012 independent American funny movie directed by Matt Walsh. The film's wacky brand of humor, distinctively improvised script, and a cast full of improv comedy stalwarts have actually made it an intriguing addition to indie comedy cinema.

Plot
The story of "High Road" revolves around the life of Glenn "Fitz" Fitzgerald (James Pumphrey), a young man in his late twenties, who belongs to a not successful rock band and a part-time pot dealer. The narrative picks up with Fitz's life starting to alter after his band separates and he unpromisingly takes up the full-time job of offering weed.

Main Characters
Fitz's sweetheart Monica (Abby Elliott), chooses to leave him due to his aimlessness. Fitz's life becomes more made complex when his dealer connection and coach James Malone (Dylan O'Brien) suddenly and all of a sudden dies. The other character, a 16-year-old neighbor Jimmy (Dylan Blue), holds on to Fitz as a sort of surrogate older bro. When Fitz chooses to leave town after a drug deal gone wrong, Jimmy by force accompanies him.

Crisis and Resolution
Fitz's life spirals into a series of misadventures after he gets away town with Jimmy. On their journey, they come across lots of odd personalities. One such is Sheila (Ed Helms), a gay couple (Joe Lo Truglio and Matt L. Jones) anticipating their first kid, and Fitz's separated father (Rob Riggle), who lives within a survivalist substance.

Meanwhile, Monica reported Fitz's unlawful activities to the cops, leading officer Fogerty (Zach Woods) to non-stop pursue the set throughout state lines. Monica regrets her choices and sets out to conserve Fitz with the aid of her new sweetheart Rich (Andy Daly).

In a final face-off at the safe house on the outdoor camping website, all the characters come face to face. The encounter is a chaotic frenzy with lot of comic interludes eventually leading to a resolution. Jimmy returns to school, Monica breaks up with Rich and gets back with Fitz who quits his criminal life and discovers a decent task.

Performances and Direction
The film is totally improvised, with even the screenplay credited as "Story by Matt Walsh". This produces an unique style, with the comedy and remarkable interactions emerging organically from the minute.

The star-studded cast of 'High Road' offer some hilarious efficiencies, including Zach Woods, Ed Helms, and Lizzy Caplan. The lead, James Pumphrey, is considerate and amusing in his role as a hapless and aimless young man in active dissolution.

Conclusion
"High Road" is an indie funny gem, with its quirkily improvised discussion and engaging ensemble cast. While the story initially appears lost and aimless, similar to its lead character, it slowly diverts towards a guaranteed and acceptable end. The film completely portrays the life of a man battling with adolescence and freedom in a funny yet relatable method. The distinct comedy and compelling story of this movie culminates in an amusing and enjoyable viewing experience that is both offbeat and interesting.

Top Cast

  • Kathryn Burns
    Orchid
  • Lizzy Caplan (small)
    Lizzy Caplan
    Sheila
  • Michael Coleman (small)
    Michael Coleman
    Bakersfield Bouncer
  • Andrew Daly (small)
    Andrew Daly
    Mr. Doobin
  • Rich Fulcher (small)
    Rich Fulcher
    Arnie
  • Kyle Gass (small)
    Kyle Gass
    Winter Wierdo
  • Curtis Gwinn (small)
    Curtis Gwinn
    Tow Truck Driver
  • Brandon Johnson (small)
    Brandon Johnson
    Cab Driver
  • Matt Jones (small)
    Matt Jones
    Richie
  • Ed Helms (small)
    Ed Helms
    Barry
  • Rob Riggle (small)
    Rob Riggle
    James Malone Sr.