Jason Momoa makes his directorial debut in this road movie

Director: Jason Momoa

Starring: Jason Momoa, Robert Homer Mollohan, Wes Studi, Lisa Bonet, Sarah Shahi

Running time: 91 mins

Release date: April 6th, 2015

Availability: DVD and Blu-ray

Jason Momoa, known largely for his role in GAME OF THRONES, makes his directorial debut in this film in which he plays a Native American being pursued by federal agents.

Momoa is enjoying a lot of success at the moment off the back of his role in GAME OF THRONES and he is soon to star as DC Comic’s superhero Aquaman. Prior to this, the actor starred as Robert Wolf, a Native American on the run after murdering the man who raped and murdered his mother. Aside from his acting duties for ROAD TO PALOMA, the long-haired actor has also co-scripted and directed this road movie, which is stronger on style than substance.

In this movie, we see Momoa riding around the American West on his motorcycle, whilst all the time he is being hunted by a pair of federal agents. As they are in pursuit, Wolf soon hooks up with Cash (co-scripter Robert Homer Mollohan), a drifter who also manages to find himself in a lot of trouble. As they hit the road on their travels they become entangled in a variety of deviating adventures, including an impromptu visit to a strip club, battling in a bare-knuckle brawl in order to get some cash and Wolf’s enjoys dalliances with a beautiful woman (Momoa’s real-life spouse, Lisa Bonet) after repairing her car. 

Along the way Wolf also makes contact with his sister (Sarah Shahi) and his Indian reservation police officer father (Wes Studi), and although he has the weight of the law on his side, he is unable to help the vigilante with his dilemma.

Despite its melodramatic proposition and the effective scenic landscapes used during production, the film is somewhat understated in its style, with Wolf seeming less like a man desperately trying to evade capture than a guy who’s simply out for a joyride. There is no denying that Momoa has charismatic flair and commands the screen during scenes, however the script would have fared better had the character’s existential angst been more at the forefront of the story. 

The plot of the film sets up high expectations for the road movie, but instead it occasionally feels like it jumps from one mini event to another, without any of them making a strong impression. Despite this negative aspect, as the director, Momoa has shown his strong capabilities of atmospheric, visual flair, which is effectively combined by Brian Mendoza’s beautiful cinematography.

Overall, fans of Momoa will not be disappointed by the character delivery of his role or surprised by the rather predictable, melancholic, violent conclusion. ROAD TO PALOMA is entertaining and a rather easy watch. With the AQUAMAN project in the not too distant future, no doubt Momoa and his strong, physical presence will continue to command the big screen in more interesting, future projects. 

Verdict

ROAD TO PALOMA is available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray from April 6th.

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