You may have already seen this film and not even realize it. When I first viewed it on cable TV it was titled "Forever Lulu". I came across "Along For The Ride" at my local video store and soon discovered it was the same film.

The story is multifaceted. It is dramatic and sad, funny and poignant. The characters are very human, and you can't help getting invovled with their intense and emotional relationships.

There was a time, many years ago when Ben and Lulu(Patrick Swayze/Melanie Griffith) were deeply in love. Their relationship ended though, as Lulu's state of mind became very fragile and a young Ben could not cope. Years later, Lulu, still not entirely well, calls a now married Ben with some shocking news. They have a son, now a teenager, and they must go to him. Ben out of a sense of responsiblity, and guilt at leaving her years before, embarks on a wild ride across country with Lulu.

Ben and his wife Claire(Penelope Ann Miller) though, were still suffering from a tragic loss in their own lives, and all was not right with them.Claire refuses to watch her marriage disintergrate, while Lulu tries to rekindle an old love.Each of the three must deal with their own demons, and with each other, as the relationships bring out the worst and the best of them.

Directed and written by John Kaye, the story and the characters develop nicely as we go "Along For The Ride". In what could have turned out to be like an episode from the Jerry Springer show, this film comes across as a very human look at these relationships and mental illness. Swayze, Griffith and Miller portray these complex characters wonderfully. A great supporting cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Richard Schiff, Annnie Corley, Steven Bauer and a charming cameo by Michael J.Pollard.

The DVD(mine has Third Row Center shown as the studio of release, although it appears to be the same edition as the one here)has a nice picture, in full frame, with good color.The sound is very good.There is a theatrical trailer included.

This is one of those films, you may want to rent first and check it out. I enjoyed it enough to watch it often, but it may not be for everybody. Some scenes(an attempted suicide) may even be a bit disturbing to some. It is rated R for langauge and brief nudity.

Check it out....Laurie