The Comeback Trail

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 13, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Crime

Cast & Crew

• Robert De Niro as Max Barber
• Morgan Freeman as Reggie Fontaine
• Tommy Lee Jones as Duke Montana
• Zach Braff as Walter Creason
• Emile Hirsch as James Moore
• Kate Katzman as Megan Albert
• Eddie Griffin as Devin Jenkins

Director
George Gallo

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Middle Men (2009)
• Bad Boys (1995, writer)
• The Poison Rose (2019)

Producer

• George Gallo
• Richard Salvatore
• David E. Ornston

Writer

• George Gallo
• Josh Posner

Budget
Estimated $25 million

Production Company

• Cloudburst Entertainment
• March On Productions
• CaliWood Pictures

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Some violence
• Adult humor

Movie Story
“The Comeback Trail” is a comedy that follows Max Barber (Robert De Niro), a down-on-his-luck movie producer who is deeply in debt to a dangerous mobster named Reggie Fontaine (Morgan Freeman). Desperate to save his skin, Max devises a scheme to produce a fake movie and stage a series of “accidents” to kill off his aging lead actor, Duke Montana (Tommy Lee Jones), in order to collect the insurance money.

Max enlists the help of his business partner Walter Creason (Zach Braff) to pull off the con, casting Duke, a washed-up, suicidal cowboy actor, in the lead role. The plan seems foolproof as Duke appears to be a perfect candidate for a series of dangerous stunts. However, things take an unexpected turn when Duke turns out to be far more resilient and capable than Max anticipated, surviving each of Max’s increasingly dangerous and absurd attempts to “accidentally” kill him.

As the production spirals out of control, Max and Walter find themselves not only facing the wrath of the mob but also inadvertently making a great movie in the process. Meanwhile, Duke, unaware of the plot against him, begins to find new purpose and passion for acting, seeing the film as his last great performance.

“The Comeback Trail” is a lighthearted comedy that blends crime caper elements with Hollywood satire. It pokes fun at the film industry, with plenty of in-jokes and references to classic cinema. The movie showcases the comedic talents of its veteran cast, particularly De Niro, Jones, and Freeman, as they navigate the outrageous and often slapstick situations that arise from Max’s increasingly desperate plans.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Comeback Trail” are primarily used to create the over-the-top stunts and action sequences within the fictional movie being filmed by the characters. The effects are intentionally exaggerated to add to the comedic tone of the film, with the stunts playing a central role in the escalating absurdity of Max’s plan.

Box Office Performance
“The Comeback Trail” had a limited theatrical release, with its performance affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the lead actors but felt that the story lacked originality and depth. Despite the mixed reception, the movie found an audience among fans of classic Hollywood comedies and those who enjoy lighthearted, star-driven entertainment.

Filming Locations

• Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
• Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Nobody’s dying for a comeback more than me!” – Max Barber
• “This could be the role of a lifetime… or the last one.” – Walter Creason
• “I’ve survived worse than this. Hell, I’ve survived Hollywood!” – Duke Montana

Behind-the-Scenes
“The Comeback Trail” is a remake of the 1982 film of the same name, originally directed by Harry Hurwitz. George Gallo, known for his work in both comedy and crime films, aimed to capture the spirit of classic Hollywood comedies while updating the story for modern audiences. The film’s cast, including De Niro, Freeman, and Jones, brings together some of the most iconic actors of their generation, whose chemistry and comedic timing are central to the film’s appeal.

Awards
The film did not receive major awards but was noted for its ensemble cast and the chemistry between its lead actors.

Final Verdict
“The Comeback Trail” is an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, comedy that benefits greatly from its star-studded cast. Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, and Morgan Freeman deliver entertaining performances, making the most of the film’s humorous premise. While the movie may not break new ground in the comedy genre, it offers a fun and lighthearted escape, particularly for those who appreciate Hollywood satire and classic cinema references. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, providing plenty of laughs along the way.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10