Revolutionary Road - out of 5 reels, this movie receives ** (2 reels)

What happens to your spirit the day you accept being ordinary?  If you are depressed or simply down in the dumps about your place in life....don't watch this movie.  If you are currently lost in the cookie-cutter existence suburban life typically has to offer....don't watch this movie.  This movie is too real and will only pull you further into the black hole.

Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio- Titanic, The Departed) is watching his opportunity to dream become overshadowed with his requirement to provide for his growing suburban family.  Although he vowed never to be, he is becoming his father.  April Wheeler (Kate Winslet - Titanic, The Reader) is riding a non-stop train to a happy-life by buying into the 'American dream' she was sold:  perfect house, perfect neighborhood, ideal husband, beautiful children, and peaceful existence.  One day the perfect life, no longer seems perfect....April is ready to pull the emergency lever and immediately exit the train.  She desires to breathe again and live beyond all of the material possessions she was told she should have.  She desires to be a little reckless and live free from the normalcy that a settled life offers.

Sam Mendes (husband of Kate Winslet) directs an interesting story which showcases two people, once madly in love and hopeful, growing into a settled couple with obligation and responsibility.  Through flashbacks the viewer is given a glimpse of their initial encounters and the fire of life that burned within each.  With each mention of the past, Mendes brings the viewer back to current day with an intense present scene.  Leonardo and Kate both offer fantastic performances.  The artistry in this movie cannot be denied.  Unlike the moving romantic connection these actors held throughout Titanic, here they are asked to deliver a very realistic intense performance which likely mirrors many American families.  While this project required a different type of chemistry, I thought they both brought the same intensity to these characters.

Although I found the movie very entertaining and could relate to the feeling of wanting to be released from the hold suburban life can bring, I'm not sure the story is relatable for everyone.  There are millions of people living out their dreams, taking risks, and not buying into the lifestyle represented on television prime-time sitcoms.  There are millions of people who are brave enough to want and achieve more than monetary success.

Revolutionary Road is not a 'must see'.  If you are in a place to see some powerful performances - Kathy Bates is also part of the cast and delivers a good performance as do other cast members - I encourage you to view the movie.  The storytelling and performances will not let you down.  If you are looking to be entertained, I can't promise the storyline will hold everyone's attention.