Matt (Jason Sudeikis) is an agent for music rock bands. After getting ditched from his biggest client, Matt is given one more chance by his company to keep his job when he promises to snatch up a well-known band.

On the flip side, Matt also gets a visit from a Nurse (Elizabeth Olsen) who advises him that his father is terminally ill and dying. His father has made one last request- for his son (and nurse) to travel to Kansas to have his last rolls of Kodachrome (camera film) developed before Kodak stops using a specific type of ink as the world moves forward with digital printing. The three will go on a road trip that will change their lives forever.

The best highlight for me personally in “Kodachrome” was the relationship between the father and son (Jason Sudeikis & Ed Harris). Sure, if they stood side by side, they might not look alike, but the acting here shows a real father/ son relationship, and it’s a sight to see. The performances from both of them are consistent throughout their portrayal of seriousness, awkwardness, sadness or joy; it’s all incredible on screen.

One disappointment for this film is that the overall plot doesn’t appear to be anything overly new. Thankfully, due to some solid performances (as mentioned between the father and son), this makes the film feel fresh and enlightened. Sure, the road trip includes surprising detours to visit other family members etc. But I was curious to know more about the history of these two. Zoe’s (Ashley Olsen) character, on the other hand, I found odd in selected scenes. Despite being a professional nurse, her role can come across more like a shrink at times as she continues to ask questions or try and push our leads in the right direction, so they find peace or resolution. Her dialogue can also feel somewhat forced and perhaps, misplaced. As the film’s story continued, I got more invested in the key characters and found the film more rewarding as the duration went on. I also personally enjoyed the film’s ending, which managed to leave me in my seat with teary eyes.

Overall, this is an enjoyable film. Sure it’s a film with a familiar plot that most of us have seen before- a dying father making one last request, which involves his son, who had been somewhat distant in the past. What makes it different as a film is the performances between father and son (Ed Harris & Jason Sudeikis), which are incredible. Worth a look- you might be surprised.

7.4/10

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Review Written by Peter Walkden