Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

This movie plays out as a road trip for 3 women from Idaho who are good friends, but the core of the story is how one woman handles the loss of her husband of 20 years, with conflicting motives for his remains.Jessica Lange is Arvilla, she is the second wife. Her husband's body has just been cremated as Christine Baranski as her husband's deceased daughter Francine shows up. Francine feels very strongly that her dad's ashes belong in California along with her mother's remains.But Arvilla reminds Francine (no love there between the two) that his wishes were to remain with Arvilla, who cannot bear the thought of him ending up near Francine's mother. Surely it is spelled out in the will.But there is no will, seems he never got around to writing a new one, and the only valid will has him not only being with his first wife, but also giving the house to Francine. Because it was made before he and Arvilla ever became a couple.But Francine, in her "generosity", will allow Arvilla to keep the home in Idaho if she will get the ashes to California for the memorial service.Kathy Bates as Margene and Joan Allen as Carol agree to go along for moral support, they were all to fly from Salt Lake City, but Arvilla has a change of plans -- they will drive there in the 1966 Bonneville that was her husband's pride possession.Along the way Arvilla stops off at various places that had special meaning to her and her deceased husband. Each time she scatters a little bit of his ashes, I suppose figuring that Francine didn't need all of the ashes. Along the way they also meet up with some characters. Tom Skerritt is Emmett, the trucker, he and Margene seem to hit it off. Young Victor Rasuk is Bo Douglas, working his way to New Mexico to find his father.A decently entertaining movie. Good actors.SPOILERS: As it turns out Arvilla scatters all of his ashes, but quick-thinking and practical Carol scoops up some ashes from a campfire. Although late for the service they finally show up, but a trip-up causes the urn to fall to the floor and shatter, scattering ashes everywhere, including the beer bottle cap. Busted!! But in the end Arvilla knew she did what she had to do, and if she lost her house she would make out OK with friends like Carol and Margene. Or, it may be a good use for the $176,000 that Carol guiltily won in the Vegas slot machine, from tokens given to her by a hooker when her 'john' showed up.

It seems like quite some time since a refreshing film like Bonneville has hit the big screen. The film was one in which longtime friendships and healthy romantic relationships were valued. Bonneville also reminds the audience about the importance of keeping one's word (in this case a promise of a wife to her now deceased husband) to another human being.In addition to the morality evoked, Kathy Bates, Joan Allen and Tom Skerritt create wonderful, sympathetic characters. As usual, Kathy Bates does not disappoint the audience with her perfect comedic timing.The scenery is also reflective of the beautiful country in which we live - a real treat, especially for those who haven't had the opportunity to travel out West.Go see it and enjoy!

What a superb feel-good movie!! The acting was right on the characters. The scenery was perfect--and I never would have thought to set the movie in the locations that it was in...but it worked beautifully! But what impressed me the most was the writing...it made you think. Isn't that what a good movie should do? Interstingly, after watching Bonneville, I actually found myself reflecting on life--what is important...and what isn't. And I learned a bit more about taking that chance...doing what is in your gut and you're heart! I would love to say more, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. This is a 'must see' movie for everyone and makes my list of top movies! I will be seeing this one again.

This is a great movie! The scenery is breathtaking and Kathy Bates is hysterical. Lots of fun! It moves really well, and I especially liked the totally different personalities of the three friends. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! We were in a full theater and people were laughing out loud. I haven't seen Jessica Lang in a movie for a long time, so it was a pleasure to see her back in action. Kathy Bates adds so much to anything she appears in. I still wonder if Jessica Lang kept her house? Sequel in the making? I wonder how many days/weeks/months it took to shoot this movie. Cinematography should win an award. Maybe we'll see that at the Oscars next year?