Take Me Home - The John Denver Story (2000)

There are movies and then there's this...

Is there an option for 0 stars (my intended rating)?

Someone compared this to a Lifetime original movie. Actually, I prefer Lifetime original movies to this one, even though I have yet to see one that surpasses 1/2 a star. My goodness, how can stupidity even get this far? First the actors/directors/script-writers who should have read the book, and then watch some concerts to get a sense of who John. Shame on CBS for airing this heap of trash. To tell the truth, I am actually kind of surprised that a lawsuit hasn't been filed against the production company or CBS for this junk. Other reviews will tell you what is wrong with this film better than I can, but I want to point out one particular scene: Where JD is recording the song "Flying For Me.": The "parody JD" is pacing the recording studio and he's restless. Something's not quite right with the song. He gets an idea. "How about an orchestra?" This has got to be one of the stupidest (if not, the stupidest) part of the movie. THE RECORDING PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND HAS AN ORCHESTRA!! Good gravy! Anyone with even a knowledge of the existence of a film business would know that this scene is (to put it mildly) just poor technique.

Someone asked if there was a different movie to be made. Don't quote me on this but I've heard that John's brother, Ron had plans. September 13, 2008

Garth Algar wants his wig back

This biopic, based on John Denver's Take Me Home, An Autobiography, will be enjoyed by hardcore fans (like me) but is still awful in many ways. The story begins in the early 60s as John (Chad Lowe, looking exactly like Dana Carvey in Wayne's World) begins his folk singing career. He meets Annie (Kristin Davis) at a gig and falls in love on the spot. They marry and move to Aspen, but as John's career takes off, tension builds in the marriage. They divorce, he has a short second marriage, and he discovers his love of flying, something that finally earns his stern father's (Gerald McRaney) respect.

This movie is the Cliffs Notes summary of John's life but there is no depth or real emotion; it's just poorly-written and amateurish. Lowe mugs shamelessly throughout, playing a grinning innocent who never seems to grow up. (In fact, though the film covers thirty years, no one ages.) Davis is very pretty but the horrible script doesn't give her much chance to develop. McRaney plays the only character who seems real, and he's the villain of the piece.

The story is shallow and rushed and Lowe's Denver isn't particularly likeable. His hair is so laughable and distracting that the movie just doesn't have a chance. Although we hear Denver sing many of his songs, Lowe is terrible at lip-syncing. The DVD extras are worthless; where's some footage of the real JD we loved? July 3, 2008

I loved this movie

I can't believe all the negative opinions on this movie.
I watched it twice and enjoyed it very much. May 2, 2008

John Was my Friend

and this movie is far from John's true story. I can't believe this ca-ca was actually made into a film. February 15, 2008

An emotional film.

I'm pretty suprised by the harsh level of critisism for this biopic. Yes, Chad Lowe minces too much as the young John. and the lip syncing in annoyoing. But, to real film lovers, I'ts the emotional impact of the fim that matters. Yes, the project was directed by Annie and a pro Annie depiction. But, the impact of Lowe as the 50 year old Denver in turmoil was quite emotional for me. If you're able to suspend your disbelief and imagine it's John, then you'll enjoy this film for the sense of tradgedy it explores. If you are a deep, sensitive soul, you'll be moved by this film. If you're going in with a chip on your shoulder looking for a "documentary" sense of total realism, then you'll write another nasty review. January 21, 2008

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