Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-key country music drama works in a quiet way; language.
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The Neon Highway
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE NEON HIGHWAY, hopeful musicians Wayne Collins (Rob Mayes) and his brother, Lloyd (T.J. Power), take to the stage to play their song "The Neon Highway." The song goes over well, and record company people approach Wayne about a solo deal, leaving Lloyd out of the offer. On the way home, the brothers argue, and there's a car crash. Seven years later, Wayne is working for a telecommunications company, installing hardware. On one job, he meets Claude Allen (Beau Bridges), who was once a legendary country star but is now living alone and out of the limelight. Wayne plays his song for Claude, and it inspires the older musician to try for a comeback. Claude promises to hit up all his old connections for favors, and the two head for Nashville. But life has other plans.
Is It Any Good?
As freewheeling and laid-back as an old country song, this music biz drama never has much at stake—and these good ol' boys don't show much emotion—but it still manages to touch the heart. For starters, The Neon Highway works as well as it does because the song (also called "The Neon Highway") is actually as good as everyone says it is. When music industry types hear it and express their enthusiasm, it doesn't ring false. The other reason it works is Bridges (the older brother of Jeff Bridges, who himself won an Oscar for playing a washed-up country singer in Crazy Heart). Beau makes us believe that he really is an old-time country singing star, his ego sometimes getting in the way of his humanity.
And lead actor Mayes can really sing, but he plays his role close to the chest. It's only in his interactions with the strong supporting cast that feelings spill out. (Sam Hennings and Sandra Lee-Oian Thomas as quite wonderful as a couple running a Nashville motel who are old friends of Claude's.) The storytelling in The Neon Highway is lackadaisical, and the big twist—in which Wayne figures out a way to get the song out in the world—is almost an afterthought, with little suspense involved, but it works in its own quiet way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Neon Highway's depiction of drinking. Is it glamorized? Are there realistic consequences? Why is that important?
Did you notice any examples of integrity and teamwork in the movie? Why doesn't Wayne take the easy record contract for himself?
Is Claude a good mentor? Why, or why not? Have you ever had a mentor who changed your life for the better?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 15, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 11, 2024
- Cast : Beau Bridges , Rob Mayes , Sam Hennings
- Director : William Wages
- Studio : Mountain Movies
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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