Two Yellow Lines
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Quiet drama about recovery, forgiveness has some language.
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Two Yellow Lines
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What's the Story?
In TWO YELLOW LINES, smokejumper Jack Elliot (Zac Titus) is still haunted by the memories of a wildfire four years ago in which he lost his entire crew and was the only survivor. Unable to cope with the trauma, Jack abandoned his family shortly afterward and is now slowly rebuilding his life as a lumberjack in Montana. Out of the blue, Jack's ex-wife calls and asks him to pick up their daughter Hanna (Alexis Titus) from summer camp in Wyoming. Jack's reluctant to take time off from a new job, and afraid of reconnecting with the daughter he hasn't seen for four years. Now 13, Hanna's even less interested in reconnecting with the father who left her and much less enthusiastic about riding across Wyoming on the back of a motorcycle. But circumstances force them together for a much longer ride than just through Wyoming. As the miles roll by under the wheels of the bike, they start to find some common ground. But the past keeps looming between them. Can they find a way to move forward, together?
Is It Any Good?
This quiet family drama about the healing power of forgiveness and reconciliation is a bit predictable, but the solid acting and thoughtful but always-moving-forward pace keep the viewer engaged. Teens who can handle the language and flashbacks to danger from wildfire will relate to both Hanna's seething resentment of her father and how much she needs him to be a part of her life. They'll also be inspired to empathize with Jack as they learn more about his past.
Like a lot of road movies, you could argue that the real star of Two Yellow Lines is the gorgeous and lovingly photographed scenery, in this case of the Northwestern United States. It makes as strong a case for giving second chances as it does for taking the time to enjoy the back roads and sleeping out in the open air, and ends on a hopeful note.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Two Yellow Lines shows the effects of past trauma on Jack, and how it affects Hanna. Have you experienced trauma, or do you know someone who has? What helps you, or how can you help someone cope?
Are Jack and Hanna good role models? What are their character strengths and weaknesses? Do you like them? Do they inspire empathy?
Road trips are a popular theme in movies and other media. Why? What do we love about them?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 9, 2021
- Cast: Zac Titus , Alexis Titus , Alicia Ziegler
- Director: Derek Bauer
- Studio: 101 Studios
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Adventures
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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