"They're four close friends. Some are closer than others."

"While the subject matter is serious, Waking Up In Reno is played (mostly) for laughs, and there are plenty of them." Staci Layne Wilson FANTASTICA DAILY "Offers big, fat, dumb laughs that may make you hate yourself for giving in. Ah, what the hell." Peter Travers ROLLING STONE "The film's pleasures come from watching Thornton and Theron transcend the movie's low-rent trappings and turn in performances that make for goofy, if inconsequential, fun." Glenn Whipp LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS "As the two female leads of the film, both Charlize Theron and Natasha Richardson seems to be enjoying themselves. For Theron, it’s a chance to act crazy and sully her good looks under a bad wig and accent, but for Richarson, the chance to play an Arkansas wife must have been a dream come true." Brian Orndorf MODAMAG.COM "It would be disingenuous to call Reno a great film, but you can say that about most of the flicks moving in and out of the multiplex. This is a movie that is what it is: a pleasant distraction, a Friday night diversion, an excuse to eat popcorn." Forrest Hartman RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL

At A Glance While there are parts of "Waking Up In Reno" that have featured in previous films there is still plenty to enjoy in this comedy about four close friends who take a road trip to Reno, Nevada. It's a stellar cast comprising Billy Bob Thornton, Natasha Richardson, Patrick Swayze and Charlize Theron. To say this is big film would be misleading, but like "Who Is Cletis Tout" and "Barbershop" it is a heck of a lot of fun. The characters are just grand and the antics they get up to produce plenty of hearty laughs. Billy Bob Thorntons performance as the weazely car dealer Lonnie Earl Dodd is a true classic. He really is a self centred bastard who believes the whole world revolves around him. His behaviour reinforces the age old belief that there is nothing lower than a used car salesman [even if in some cases this may not be true] and Billy Bob makes it so believable. Natasha Richardson plays Darlene, the woman cursed with being the wife of Lonnie Earl. Poor old Darlene quickly gains our sympathy as Lonnie Earl completely ignores her needs and continually treats her despicably, putting her down in the most condescending manner. Lonnie Earl is the original bastard. He's banging Candy played by Charlize Theron. Theron produces a vibrant character who, even though she is unfaithful, is a likeable lady. Roy is played by a barely recognizable Patrck Swayze. Roys a true friend, a real mate, a faithful hound dog that everyone puts down. He seen as a bit of a fool, an idiot. Between them, the four stars create a fun time for audiences throughout "Waking Up In Reno" [the films title reveals its true meaning late in the road trip]. Sure it has its serious moments but there are genuine laughs galore in this snappy little number including a bedroom seen reminiscent of the classic wife swapping film "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice". Unfortunately this is another film that may not hang around for long. I can't even remember seeing a trailer promo for "Waking Up In Reno" and it really does make you shake your head and wonder sometimes.
"Waking Up In Reno" is Directed by Jordan Brady ["The Third Wheel" & "American Girl"], written by Brent Briscoe ["Mulholland Drive" & "The Majestic"] and Mark Fauser ["Madison" & "Its All About You"], stars Billy Bob Thornton ["Monster's Ball", "Bandits" & "Armageddon"], Patrick Swayze ["Red Dawn" "Point Break" & "Ghost"], Natasha Richardson ["Maid in Manhattan", "The Comfort of Strangers" & "Blow Dry"] and Charlize Theron ["The Astronauts Wife" "The Cider House Rules" & "The Things That You Do!"]. The Story Lonnie Earl is a self centred prick who owns a car dealership in Little Rock, Arkansas. Now Lonnie Earls married to Darleneand while business is great there ain't much 'business' goin on between Lonnie Earl and Darlene. To make up for that little bit of 'lost lovin', Lonnie Earl is bangin his best friend Roys wife Candy. They're the best of friend it seems and so they're heading for Reno, takin in the sights on a cosy road trip. Lonnie Earl has just the vehicle for the trip an SUV with real leather trim and the odometer fixed so it doesn't rack up the miles. Loaded up with the most important items, all the Pabst Blue Ribbon beer they can fit on to the roof, the friends are heading for Nevada via the Grand Canyon. Its a trip that will see the closest of friends torn apart by the simplest slip-up. It seems while Roy and Candy have been trying for a baby, Roy it turns out has lazy sperm. Imagine everyones surprise when Candy announces she's pregnant. The shit is about to hit the fan. The friendship is busted and Darlene is about to teach Lonnie Earl a lesson. The Verdict "A thoroughly enjoyable and satisfy romp from Little Rock Arkansas to Reno Nevada and back. The ensemble cast comprising Thornton, Swayze, Richardson and Theron gives hearty performance all round. Plenty of real laughs, heartfelt moments and a 'feel good' ending. Once again this is one you'll have to catch before this little sleeper goes. Its different, delicious and such a delight. Worth the investment." The Cast & Crew

Natasha Richardson Billy Bob Thornton Patrick Swayze Charlize Theron Billy O'Sullivan Galvin Chapman Kelsey Chapman Cleo King Chelcie Ross Holmes Osborne Brent Briscoe Mark Fauser Aszue Wilson Hody Porterfield Jo Harvey Allen Rebecca Chace David Koechner Penélope Cruz Joani Yarbrough-Bruc Robin Adair Tony Orlando Wayne Federman

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Darlene Dodd Lonnie Earl Dodd Roy Kirkendall Candy Kirkendall Lonnie Earl III Lane Dodd Lacy Dodd June Fred Bush Doc Tuley Russell Whitehead Boyd AMini-Mart Cashier Hodie at the Big Texan Waitress at Big Texan Hospital Nurse Bell Hop Brenda Tarot Card Reader Casino Waitress Himself Ronnie the Rooster

Directed by Jordan Brady Written by Brent Briscoe & Mark Fauser Original Music by Marty Stuart Cinematography by William A Fraker Film Editing by Lisa Zeno Churgin Casting by Emily Schweber Production Design by Jeannine Oppewall Art Direction by John DeMeo Set Decoration by Jay Hart Costume Design by Douglas Hall Run Time 91 minutes Rated M15+ [AUST] Copyright ©2003 - Miramax - All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2003 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved