Man, I'm a sucker for this kind of picture. Realism. A movie about real people, in real situations, just like you and me. No frills, no fantasy, no flash. It's not that I don't like movies with these elements in them; It's that a prefer movies without them. I like Michelle Williams without the make-up - just a waif caught in a tough situation in a generic Americana setting. It looks like a small town, but I see the credits say it's Portland Oregon.

I'm also a sucker for trains, so I loved all the train shots. Is there a symbolism to the trains? Funny how many times a forlorn train horn is heard nearby, punctuating the quiet desperation of Wendy's plight. I loved the security guy (Wally Dalton) - he shows us there's hope no matter what the situation.....there really is always someone who cares. I sure hope Wendy makes it to Alaska; she deserves to.

For those who like this one, you'll like a similar movie I viewed just a few days previous; it has a similar pace, and feel as this one, and a storyline with a little more tension: "Frozen River". Catch it if you can.

Wendy Carroll (Michelle Williams) is driving to Alaska with limited cash and her dog Lucy. Her car breaks down. She tries to steal some dog food and gets caught. She had tied Lucy up in front of the grocery store. When she returns from getting arrested, Lucy is gone. There is a friendly security guard. Lucy isn't at the pound. Bill the mechanic (Will Patton) charges Wendy the few bucks she has left.

This is a generally slow movie. There are instances of harrowing tension. There is some tension hoping for good things but expecting bad things to happen to Wendy. It's a series of bad things with some poignant moments. The ending is a little weak. With the way things are going for Wendy, I expect the ending to be a lot more heart-breaking and a lot more final. Riding off into the sunset isn't definitive enough.