Moving McAllister 2007
Directed by
Andrew Black
Made by
First Independent Pictures
Plot Summary
With just four days left before the bar exam, the completely unprepared law intern, Rick Robinson, is presented with a unique chance to impress his boss, Maxwell McAllister. Despite his better judgment, Rick agrees to a favor that spirals out of control. He finds himself embarking on a challenging cross-country road trip in a dilapidated U-Haul, loaded with all of Mr. McAllister’s belongings. The situation worsens as Rick is tasked with looking after his boss’s demanding niece, Michelle, and her rambunctious pet pig.
The journey from Miami to Los Angeles is fraught with misadventures. The truck breaks down on a narrow road in the heart of the South, leading to a night where Rick’s clothes are incinerated by a local family. Later, another breakdown knocks him unconscious, but he is saved by an eccentric hitchhiker named Orlie, who assists in securing accommodation for Rick and Michelle. Grateful for his rescue, Rick allows Orlie to join them, but this decision sets off a series of hilarious twists as Michelle develops a rapport with Orlie, turning the trip into a comedy of errors at Rick’s expense.
After a bizarre encounter orchestrated by Orlie at a fast-food restroom leads Rick to his breaking point, he attempts to cut ties with him. However, as he and Michelle bond deeper following a stop at a picturesque beach in Texas, Rick makes the risky choice to let her take the wheel due to exhaustion. When he wakes, they have been rerouted to Wichita, Kansas—Rick’s hometown—where he faces a painful reunion with his mentally ill father, an encounter that leaves both him and Michelle visibly shaken. As their relationship grows, the young couple share their pasts and vulnerabilities.
Their travels take them to Colorado, where empty gas tanks force them to rely on Orlie again, this time hitching a ride. However, their luck turns when their U-Haul and Michelle’s pig are stolen by thugs working for a local crime lord known as “The Lady” (Billy Drago). To reclaim the truck, Rick and Orlie must engage in a brutal cage match, where their unexpected performance earns the admiration of their captor. Upon entering Utah, Orlie believes he has had a profound experience linked to a near-death moment in his life, prompting him to leave Rick and Michelle to continue alone.
As the deadline for the bar exam looms closer, Rick becomes increasingly skeptical of Michelle’s belief that their connection is something extraordinary. He decides to drive straight to Los Angeles, ultimately arriving at Mr. McAllister’s beach property in Malibu, where he learns that he is late but Mr. McAllister appears unconcerned. In a desperate rush to catch his flight back to Miami, Rick leaves a sleeping Michelle in the truck, setting off a chain of reflective moments.
At the airport, it suddenly dawns on Rick—this is a grave mistake. He notices all the Polaroid memories Michelle captured during their journey and realizes that she is meant for him. In a panic, he escapes the airport and returns to Malibu, where he professes his feelings for Michelle. Mr. McAllister, having heard similar sentiments from Michelle, expresses his gratitude for Rick’s return and entrusts him with her care, adding that his law firm plans to open a branch in Los Angeles.
The movie concludes with a heartfelt reunion between Rick and Michelle on the sandy beach, while in a completely different state, Orlie is approached by a stranger, hinting at further adventures.
Timeline
Rick's Opportunity
With only four days before the bar exam, law intern Rick Robinson is presented with a rare chance to impress his boss, Maxwell McAllister. Against his better judgment, he accepts a favor that sets off a whirlwind adventure across the country.
The Cross-Country Road Trip Begins
Rick embarks on a challenging road trip in a dilapidated U-Haul, filled with McAllister's belongings. He is suddenly tasked with looking after McAllister’s niece, Michelle, and her lively pet pig, complicating the journey further.
First Breakdown
While navigating a narrow road in the South, the U-Haul breaks down unexpectedly. Rick faces additional humiliation when his clothes are burned by a local family during an unplanned overnight stay.
Meeting Orlie
After another unexpected breakdown knocks him unconscious, Rick is rescued by an eccentric hitchhiker named Orlie. Grateful for the help, Rick reluctantly allows Orlie to join their journey, which begins to turn chaotic.
The Fast-Food Restroom Incident
A bizarre encounter orchestrated by Orlie at a fast-food restroom pushes Rick to his breaking point. Frustrated, he considers cutting ties with Orlie, despite the growing friendship between Michelle and their hitchhiker companion.
Bonding at the Beach
Rick and Michelle stop at a picturesque beach in Texas, where they bond over their shared experiences. Exhausted, Rick makes the risky decision to let Michelle take the wheel, leading to an unexpected detour.
Unexpected Detour to Wichita
Upon waking, Rick discovers they have been rerouted to Wichita, Kansas, his hometown. The painful reunion with his mentally ill father leaves both Rick and Michelle shaken, strengthening their bond as they share personal struggles.
The Gas Crisis in Colorado
In Colorado, their empty gas tanks force them to rely on Orlie once more. Their luck takes a turn when they find their U-Haul and Michelle's pet pig stolen by thugs working for a local crime lord named 'The Lady'.
Cage Match with The Lady's Thugs
To reclaim their stolen belongings, Rick and Orlie participate in a brutal cage match. Their unexpected success earns them the respect of their captor, but the harrowing experience leaves Rick questioning their path.
Orlie's Departure
In Utah, after a near-death experience, Orlie decides it is time to part ways with Rick and Michelle. This departure leaves Rick and Michelle to face the remaining journey on their own with strengthened resolve.
Rick's Doubts
As the bar exam deadline looms, Rick becomes skeptical of Michelle's belief that their connection is extraordinary. This leads him to make the tough decision to drive directly to Los Angeles, hoping to meet his boss on time.
Realization at the Airport
Upon arriving at Mr. McAllister’s beach property in Malibu, Rick learns he is late but the boss seems unconcerned. A moment of reflection strikes him at the airport when he realizes all the memories captured by Michelle during their travels.
Rick's Return
Suddenly aware of his feelings for Michelle, Rick makes a frantic decision to leave the airport and return to Malibu. There, he declares his feelings for Michelle, who is also eager to reunite with him.
End of the Journey
Mr. McAllister, having heard about their mutual feelings, decides to trust Rick with Michelle’s care and announce plans for a new branch in Los Angeles. The movie culminates in a heartfelt reunion on the sandy beach between Rick and Michelle.
Orlie's Next Adventure
In a different state, Orlie encounters a stranger, hinting at more adventures ahead. The film concludes leaving viewers curious about what lies next for this eccentric character.
Characters
Rick Robinson (Ben Gourley)
Rick is a law intern who finds himself unprepared for both his bar exam and the chaotic road trip. Despite his initial reluctance, he shows growth and resilience as he learns to navigate through unexpected challenges and his feelings for Michelle. His character embodies a blend of humor and earnestness.
Michelle (Mila Kunis)
Michelle is Maxwell McAllister's vibrant and demanding niece who adds excitement to the trip. Her spirited personality and growing bond with Rick reveal her complexity and depth. She represents the transformative power of connection and the beauty of spontaneity.
Orlie (Jon Heder)
Orlie is an eccentric hitchhiker who injects humor and unpredictability into the road trip. His quirky antics and philosophical musings make him a memorable character who ultimately helps Rick and Michelle confront their fears and take risks.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, capturing the spirit of modern-day road trips. It reflects on the struggles of balancing personal aspirations with unexpected challenges, a sentiment relatable to many in today’s fast-paced world.
Location
Miami, Los Angeles, Texas, Wichita, Colorado, Utah, Malibu
The movie traverses several significant locations from the bustling streets of Miami to the picturesque beaches of Malibu. Each setting amplifies the comedic misadventures of the road trip. Notably, Wichita holds personal significance for Rick as his hometown, bringing emotional depth to the narrative.
Themes
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Love and Vulnerability
The theme of love permeates the film as Rick and Michelle navigate their budding relationship amid chaotic circumstances. Their shared vulnerabilities allow them to connect on a deeper level, illustrating that true affection often flourishes in times of adversity.
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Journey and Growth
The road trip serves as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery. Rick's unplanned detours lead him to confront his past and redefine his future, emphasizing the importance of embracing life's unexpected challenges.
😂
Comedy of Errors
Humor is central to the movie as it encapsulates the chaos of travel through a series of comedic misadventures. From unlikely breakdowns to eccentric characters, the film emphasizes that sometimes the funniest moments stem from the biggest mistakes.
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