Broken Bridges (2006) User Reviews

My heart is "Broken"

[stoogedude · 5/10 · 9 January 2007]

I have seen many movies over the years, so I may be a little too discriminating. That said, Broken Bridges did not live up to my expectations. The writing wasn't the best. The directing wasn't the best. And the sound people should never work in Hollywood again.

That's not to say that Toby Keith is a bad actor. Quite the contrary, he shows real potential, and I really hope to see him in other movies, hopefully movies that are better written and allow Toby to really show his acting chops. Toby said that while it may not seem like a stretch, he is really different from his character, and unlike the real life Toby, Bo is struggling with his career. Toby...you're a great singer, brilliant songwriter, outstanding performer...but this wasn't much of a stretch. A cop, a lawyer, a teacher, or even a biker allows you to try out your acting chops. Toby plays a country singer, and Toby is really a country singer. Toby Keith's character dresses like...Toby Keith. But Toby did give a good performance, so I applaud him for that.

Lindsey Haun had better become a big star. She's beautiful, and shes a great singer and actress...a double WHAMMY! Her performance of Broken was one of the highlights of the movie. This wasn't a huge blockbuster film, but I hope it was big enough to get people to notice this great talent.

The soundtrack was very good, I'll give it that. But I was expecting much more with this film. It's great that so many people on here like it. It just wasn't for me.

Toby Keith is stiff

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 13 December 2016]

Bobby Delton's death in a military exercise brings his family back home. His sister Angela Delton (Kelly Preston) has been estranged since getting pregnant. She returns with her rebellious teen daughter Dixie (Lindsey Haun). Her mother (Tess Harper) tries to stay positive but her father Jake (Burt Reynolds) still holds resentments. Angela is shocked to find Dixie's father, fading country singer Bo Price (Toby Keith), has also returned.

Toby Keith is a stiff actor. I'm trying to accept that for this character. He's a piece of stone stuck in the middle of the screen. Kelly Preston is no great catch either. It's more interesting to see Burt again. The girl shows different sides and out performs everybody else. The music is pretty good and that helps a lot. Otherwise, it's a relatively unimaginative melodrama.

Big screen debut of singer Toby Keith.

[michaelRokeefe · 6/10 · 14 April 2007]

Fair to maudlin is country singer Toby Keith's first film. Former high school sweethearts, Bo Price(Keith), a fading country music singer, and Angela Denton(Kelly Preston), a television reporter, return to their small hometown after the deaths of their younger brothers in a military training exercise. Bo and Angela have to deal with the past and the future. The out-of-the-spotlight Price meets his 16-year old daughter Dixie(Lindsey Haun), who is a musician herself...a rock musician. Angela has to deal with her father(Burt Reynolds), who has been out of sorts with her since she left home pregnant. Her mother(Tess Harper)tries to mediate a truce before having a minor stroke. Bo calls on his friends Willie Nelson and BeBe Winans to sing at the memorial service for the five hometown lost soldiers. Dixie is also asked to sing her own song "Broken" and it melts hearts. The future no longer seems so bleak. Also in the movie are: Katie Finneran, Anna Maria, Josh Henderson and Steve Coulter.

Fixing Bridges...

[bronzesrv · 7/10 · 31 October 2018]

I thought the movie was excellent and a great family movie. I thought Toby Keith's acting was pretty good and having veterans in the movie such as Burt Reynolds, Tess Harper and Kelly Preston didn't hurt. Just because the movie wasn't a box office smash don't mean it wasn't a good movie!

Bo Bice?

[rys86 · 3/10 · 12 August 2008]

If you're a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3K, Attack of the Giant Leeches, or Pinata Survival Island, this movie might be for you.

I live in Nashville and I didn't even know of this movie's existence until the day prior to its release, when the advertising company panicked and blanketed Music Row with dozens of fliers and billboards. It barely lasted two weeks in theaters anyway.

Bad acting, bad writing, and poor production only begin to describe this embarrassment of a film. For starters, the names are a bit much: Bo Price, Angel, and Dixie? Eesh.

Toby's awkwardly slow delivery of lines makes one wonder what production assistant got stuck holding the cue cards off camera. Angel's character rapidly transitions from her city-slicker ways to a cowgirl, slipping into southern slang after two days on the ranch. Her wardrobe goes from chic to a female version of Toby's--in fact, in the final scene, their outfits are identical, making one wonder if the wardrobe assistant called in sick.

The audio is inconsistent - perhaps the most noticeable example is when Toby decides to go for a swim and his voice suddenly sounds like he's shouting in a gymnasium.

There's never quite enough explanation or character development to suffice what happens on-screen. Overacting, exasperation, grimaces, and moodiness best describes the actors' interpretation and direction of the terrible script.

This movie is best enjoyed after consuming a couple of alcoholic beverages and in the company of your wittiest friends. But that's not saying much.

This movie has "Razzie Award Winner" written all over it.

[idrinkred · 3/10 · 8 September 2006]

I attended one of the premieres last night and have the following observations:

1. Just because you've directed a ton of music videos DOES NOT make you qualified to make movies. The movie had an overabundance of lingering shots that made no sense, horrible angles, and terrible lighting. The editing didn't help this mess at all. When "Dixie" shows up late for the memorial service her mother remarks about her hand but it's never clear what the heck she's talking about.

2. The plot had promise, but the script was thin and full of Ford Truck sized holes. We never get to understand what drives the characters, what's really behind the conflicts they all have with each other or exactly how they resolve them. Sixteen years of distance is wiped out in 4 days seemingly by magic. The deep conversations were marred by stupid clichés. (In fact, the whole town was one big cliché of southern life.) Half the audience groaned when Toby drawled "Ya got my blood runnin through your veins gurl"...and we were treated to that insipid line not once, but TWICE! The revelations were yawn inducing, and the dramatic confessions boiled down to "I was stupid and stubborn".

3. The acting was okay considering the wreck of a script they had to work with. Toby was dark and brooding most of the film, but when he smiled and lightened up he was charming. It's a shame he didn't have more screen time like that. Kelly Preston's acting chops are pretty rusty and it shows. Lindsay Haun is talented and it's certainly not her fault the writers made her character so unlikeable in the beginning that you don't blame her father for not coming to look for her. Burt Reynolds and Tess Harper were able to make more of this movie but still looked more or less lost. (And indeed, their characters get lost in this film!)

4. If you're a Toby fan you'll love the songs. But often the movie felt like a scene was forced in just so they could feature one of his songs--or the artists on his record label. For instance, the movie's official love song is "Crash Here Tonight". You'd think that would play around a tender love scene, but nope...we hear about 45 seconds of it as he's heading to a memorial service. It was as if they said "well, we gotta use this song somewhere". The song "Broken" is haunting and the best thing to come out of this movie.

In summary...a promising plot never fully develops and the movie is horribly uneven as it forceably tries to be a vehicle for Toby Keith's music and product placement for Ford Trucks. It goes from being about people rebuilding broken bridges to trying to be about the power of music but the story is told so poorly that both points get lost in this overgrown music video. I like Toby and really wanted to like "Broken Bridges" but the people he counted on to make this movie let him down and deserve one of his famous boots you know where.

And I don't even like Toby Keith

[claywillis · 9/10 · 10 September 2006]

My wife adores Toby Keith but I'm not that wild about him or his music. I recognize the talent but he's not my "cup of tea". I took my wife to this movie thinking I was making a "sacrifice" but I REALLY liked this movie.

The story is good, the music is good, the acting is good (especially the relationship between Toby and his "daughter" in the movie), so what more could one ask for? I hope Paramount gets behind this movie with some promotion because I think a great many people would agree with me on the quality of this film.

Clay Willis Acworth, GA

A metaphoric title about as convincing at the material it is placed in front of

[StevePulaski · 2/10 · 15 November 2012]

Broken Bridges is a film that comes billed and equipped with three specific agendas; to be an openly patriotic film, to boast and share its Christian beliefs, and a film to try and serve as a wholesome parable for Americans facing similar issues. All three agendas are fine by me, if they were taken seriously and made competently into a watchable film, but this is a depressingly mundane trudge through the genre I call "American cinema," one of the weakest genres thus far in film. You may have come across a film or two in this genre; they're films that seemingly exist in their own dull world with dull characters and stiff dialog. At least that's how I've seen them. Another example would include Seven Days in Utopia, a film I regarded as a huge missed opportunity not long ago, but after seeing Broken Bridges, I recall that film as a breath of cleaner, fresher air.

All the hell begins with the ham-fisted, morally devout, incredibly obnoxious story that spells out things so incredulous and far-fetched they are cringe worthy. Bo Price is a hack country singer (he's played by Toby Keith, so try and believe that) who once had a fling with a Miami news reporter named Angela Delton (Kelly Preston), which resulted in a pregnancy. After that, Bo fled responsibility and stuck Angela with a newborn baby girl. Sixteen years later, after a helicopter crash in the military kills Bo's brother and Angela's brother, when they fly back home for the funerals, they are unexpectedly reunited with one another and contention flies.

The movie's main goal is to show how Bo begins to connect with the child he unexpectedly father named Dixie (Lindsey Haun), who has gone on to be a rather unremarkable teenager, who just so happens to have a heavenly voice. What it fails at is generating any fulfilling substance to these bland, unsatisfying, uninteresting archetypes.

Broken Bridges is directly aimed at the crowd who crave films with relatable characters, country music, traditional living, characters "paying dues," and age-old values where there's a heavy dependence on morality and spirituality; I have no problem with any of those things. I was reminded of how surprisingly pleased I was with the Kendrick brothers' film Courageous, which offers the same sort of material, surrounding four policemen with complex homelifes who need to prioritize their jobs and their families. The film had a smooth, if heavy-handed script, seriously complex issues taken believably, and well-developed characters portrayed by capable actors. With this picture, all that is trade for wooden acting, contrived plot-points, tedious fighting between characters, an exhausted concept, and a seriously lazy setup punctuated by some decent but forgettable musical numbers, both solo performances and duets. Arguably the best scene in the film is when Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, and BeBe Winans get on stage to perform "Uncloudy Day," an engaging ballad. Sadly, it's brief and one of two blink-and-you-miss-it cameos for Willie Nelson.

On a final note, take one more look at the title an I'll be damned if you can't guess its meaning. The title represents how our protagonist must make amends with those he has hurt and repair connections, hence the metaphoric "broken bridge." The title is about as convincing and as original as the material the film provides.

Starring: Toby Keith, Kelly Preston, Lauren Haun, Burt Reynolds, and Willie Nelson. Directed by: Steven Goldmann.

a nice surprise

[marytricity · 8/10 · 9 September 2006]

I am a big Toby Keith fan but have to admit that I didn't have exceedingly high expectations when I went to the premier last week (I've never been overly fond of films that I think of as only show-casing the talents or looks or reputation of a celebrity). I was surprised and happy to be wrong in this instance; I loved the film and felt that it was a solid offering, not only by Toby Keith, but by Kelly Preston and the rest of the cast. The acting was solid and the characters and their relationships were predominantly believable; Burt Reynolds was stellar, especially. The music, too, was a good fit and added to the movie for me. Both my husband (who is not a county music fan) and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and although it definitely is a "chick-flick", I would recommend it to county fans and non-country fans alike.

Wasted 2 hours of my life.

[charlienusance · 1/10 · 8 July 2007]

This movie is the second worst film that I have ever seen (the first being Ghost Rider). There is absolutely no plot, climax, conflict, or any other major detail required in portraying a story. This 'film' is basically just another excuse for Toby Keith to show off his manly side and, the 'tough guy he really is'. I completely wasted my time watching this film. The best part would have to be the ending credits. If I were Ebert or Roper, I would have cut my thumbs off and thrown them at the producers. Whoever in their right mind gave Toby Keith the chance to act in a feature film, is obviously on the same mental level as him. In conclusion, do not waste your time watching this movie, it could quite possibly be the only thing you regret.

Great Movie. Toby is super, but Lindsey Haun stole the show.

[jerrymcewen · 9/10 · 8 September 2006]

You will love this movie if you like good wholesome entertainment with a great story and great acting. My wife and I were background actors in this one, and we are probably biased, but we had never heard of Toby Keith before and are definitely not fans of country music (still aren't). Now, we think Toby Keith hung the moon and is the greatest. He not only writes and sings some great music but he is also a super actor. Kelly Preston is OK, as are Burt Reynolds and Tess Parker. I even liked Willie Nelson's part. On the other hand, Lindsey Haun is a bright, beautiful, fresh, young star who sings like an angel and is a great actress in this movie. Bring your kids, especially those who aspire to be singers and you will all love this movie. You country and western fans will probably love it, too. I can't wait to get the album because all the songs are great.

Warm-hearted, wholesome and wonderful

[tobo86-1 · 8/10 · 9 September 2006]

Finally, a movie without profanity, violence, computer graphics, obnoxious music, and sex! But what this movie does have is Toby Keith, Kelly Preston, Burt Reynolds, Lindsey Haun, and a terrific soundtrack.

Lindsey Haun, who is not a newcomer to the acting biz, stole the movie in her spot-on portrayal of Dixie, a struggling 17 year old who longs for a family. Her scenes with Toby, Kelly and Burt were fabulous. When Dixie debuts her song to the congregation, she really shines. This gal can sing! No wonder Toby signed her to his label- Show Dog Records Nashville! Toby, in his big screen acting debut, proves he can do anything he sets his mind to. He more than just says lines - - he emotes, he connects, and he delivers a terrific freshman effort.

Tess Harper, Ann Marie Horseford, Willie Nelson, Bebe Winans, and Toby's very own Easy Money Band complete the cast.

I loved it and will see it again and again, and will own the DVD. Very family friendly.

The reason I didn't give this a 10 is because of the editing and some missing back story, not because of the acting performances.

Angel From Montgomery Movie with Toby Keith & Kelly Preston

[gmdowns · 10/10 · 8 January 2006]

My husband & I had the most amazing chance of a life time experience in October 2005. We were extras in this movie for 8 days. We saw first hand what went on behind the scenes and the saw just a glimpse of what it takes to film a movie. We were 2 of only 6-8 extras many days and got to be around the actors a lot. We sat on the front porch of the "Delton Inn" (really the Veranda B&B in Senoia, Ga.)in swings and rocking chairs with Toby Keith, Burt Reynolds, Kelly Preston, Tess Harper and talked between scenes. Got to hear Toby cut up and sing funny songs between takes and while we were waiting and waiting and waiting for the next scene. They were all just wonderful! I was very impressed with Toby's acting ability and we all know how great Burt is. I think this movie will be a "sleeper" and be very successful! We may have wound up on the cutting room floor but I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.

An excellent feel-good movie

[paul-2484 · 9/10 · 9 September 2006]

Had the chance to see an advance showing. Looking for a movie professional reviewers will ooh and ah over? Forget it! There are no real surprises, twists or turns ... no artsy-fartsy foreign director trying to impress the Hollywood types and hoping for some directing award. This movie comes only with some solid actors portraying what could easily happen in real life. Looking for high speed chases or Tom Cruise-like stunts? Don't bother with this film. Just bring your heart if you want to glean anything from this one.

Filmed in the real town of Senoia, Georgia, one 'Chicago Sun-Times' reviewer describes the fictional town of Armour Springs as "... one of those Southern towns that exist primarily in the minds of screenwriters". Apparently he's never been south of the Mason-Dixon line and we personally don't care for his type down here anyway. Senoia is only one of many small towns that do exist and have retained remnants of the America that was once innocent ... where kids could be kids and adults acted like adults. The same reviewer seemed impressed with Kelly Preston as giving the only "solid" performance. She did good but she wasn't at the top of her game. If you score her in comparison to the performance of the "rookies" (Toby Keith and Lindsey Haun) Preston wasn't that great.

While I loved the movie there are a few disappointments. The character of Anna Maria Horsford should have been expanded. She is an excellent actress and could have been given more exposure. A "situation" involving Dixie (Haun) and some guy seems to be left hanging. The movie could easily have been a television series by expanding both characters and plots within this quiet little town.

Great message movie

[honeylyn · 9/10 · 9 September 2006]

I really enjoyed the story line and the messages in the movie, and the sound track is awesome. Toby Keith's talent was very evident throughout the story, not only as a singer, but also as an actor. Kelly Preston was able to show her inward pain and disappointment for the way her high school boyfriend had treated her earlier in their lives. Lindsey Haun was a real surprise and has a nice singing voice. Of course the "old timers" were a very important part of the story also, as is true of actual Southern families. This is a good "Southern" story filmed from several small towns in Georgia near here. The scenery was very representative of the area. It was especially interesting to see the final movie after knowing a lot of the local extras and watching the filming last year.

Excellent Movie

[jenlovin · 10/10 · 9 September 2006]

I loved this movie, and I think Toby Keith was great! The chemistry between Kelly Preston and Toby Keith was totally believable. I loved how tender the moments were when Toby interacted with Lindsey Hauhn. There were many serious moments, but enough comedy in just the right places to keep you laughing. I have to admit that I felt it was a little slow getting started, and I was confused trying to tie in who characters were from the beginning, but overall the movie was great. It kind of reminded me of Hope Floats with the small town setting, and the theme of trying to "change your life and start over". The music was great and I can't wait to get the soundtrack, and when the DVD is released, I will definitely add it to my collection.

Broken Bridges with Toby Keith

[roseandsmith · 10/10 · 8 September 2006]

This is a wonderful movie .The Characters were easy to relate to. Toby can act as well as sing. I think he has another career started. It was a believable story line that tugged at the heart. The movie kept my attention and could have went on another hour and I still would have been engaged in the story. There is only one negative comment I can make, I hated for it to end. Lindsey Haun has a great voice, loved the song she did "Broken". I saw her in person at a Toby Keith concert in Aug. 2006 and was very impressed. I was delighted to see Burt Reynolds and Kelly Preston on the movie screen again and as usual, both giving a memorable performance.

Toby Keith shines and Lindsey Haun steals the show!

[southernscriptwriter · 10/10 · 9 September 2006]

This movie has great heart! Toby Keith really blew me away. As a Country Superstar, Toby Keith in real life... well, there's nothing subtle or subdued about him. He's in your face! But, his character "Bo Price" is a broken man. He is filled with fear and regret, therefore requiring restraint with raw emotion seeping through... and Toby Keith delivers! For anyone that has seen Toby in concert or in interviews... you'll be surprised to see that there is little of Toby Keith on this big screen. He was soulful and honest and downright haunting in his portrayal of a falling star who is forced to face the life he ran away from.

Kelly Preston is simply stunning in one of the best performances I've seen of her. The only problem I have with this movie is that the relationship between her character "Angel" and Toby's character "Bo", is barely exposed, leaving me a bit unsatisfied with the pat ending.

Lindsey Haun is going to be a huge star. She is funny, charismatic and unbelievably great in the role of "Dixie", a girl who's in search of a love that she never received from her absent father. Lindsey has some of the best one-liners in the film, making you laugh out loud one minute, but then tearing your heart out the next with her dead-on portrayal of teen rage.

The film is a bit short... it doesn't fully explore the relationship between "Bo" and "Angel", but it fully succeeds in the father/daughter dynamic and the chemistry between the cast is palpable. But, I give it a 10 because of the performances alone... definitely worth seeing again and again.

Broken Bridges

[cldorn4 · 9/10 · 10 September 2006]

All the artists involved in this movie has great pull into the characters they play. Toby is a very believable Bo, Kelly as Angel, Lindsey being the newcomer is excellent. The music is powerful, well written into the storyline. The reason I didn't give this movie a 10 was the missing pieces and the story line ran real fast. No real time given to Bo and Angel to come back together as a couple. If a woman was in the editing room on this film then she must have been a bitter person. A more romantic person should have been involved in the final cut. To bring Bo and Angel back as a couple, reunited from all the pain they both has suffered along with Dixie their daughter. She should have been brought into their relationship more. Lindsey as Dixie, she will go far in the film industry and the music also, if that is what she wants. "Thanks, Toby for putting yourself up for the critic's nasty words because in this case they will be unwarranted. You Did Excellent"

Review of Broken Bridges

[jazmonie1 · 8/10 · 10 September 2006]

I applaud Toby for this daring endeavor. He is a talent for sure, along with most of the cast. It was a good message movie, good music, with some humor, tears and leaves you with thinking about broken bridges in your own life. There were many broken up parts of the movie and I would have also liked to see more detail of a relationship mending between Bo & Angel. Lindsay was a shining star for sure; I hope she goes far.

All in all, I liked it but was not totally in love & I do not mean that bad, so fans, do not get all in an uproar. I am glad I saw it cause I am an avid Toby fan; but that does not mean I need to agree with all he does and I am entitled to my thoughts. It is not award winning material and no offense; but I will be surprised if it is picked up by many theaters with a long run. It was a feel good movie that I was glad to see away from all the violence that is out there. Keep up the good work Toby and I am sure you will only get better with more projects.

Bravo!

[gremma · 8/10 · 21 April 2008]

The movie has rich characters, a good story, and is very well paced. Many times when a movie has great music it is to hide a dull script, not here, this music simply makes it a must see!

Excellent character portrayal by Tobey Keith, Kelly Preston, and Lindsey Haun, who is a show stealer. Tess Harper is always just a joy to watch in almost anything she does and she doesn't disappoint here. The story follows Bo Price (Toby Keith,) a Country Singer, on his way down, who is called home when his brother, and 4 other boys from his hometown are killed in a training exercise in the Army. One of the boys is the brother of Bo's high school sweetheart, Angela (Kelly Preston) who was pregnant when he ran out on her. The funerals in the hometown bring the long lost lovers together and introduce father, Bo, to his daughter Dixie (Lindsey Haun), who is also a musician. Their stories are interesting and believable. Entertaining and love the music.

I loved this movie

[anhdlady31 · 10/10 · 12 September 2006]

I loved this movie. I have to be honest I went to see it - not expecting much - I was pleasantly surprised! I think Toby did a wonderful job! And I can not wait to see what else he has in store for his fans! As for Lindsey Haun - OMG her voice! I cried when she sang Broken - that song and her voice - a perfect match. I don't know where she has been until now - But I hope to see more of her and HEAR more of that voice of hers! Toby give that girl a record deal! The casting of Burt Reynolds was dead on - He was perfect for the role. Honestly all casting was great.. The story line - well that hits home for me. MY daughter is now 13 and fatherless - He isn't a big time country singer who lost his touch - but I could relate with the characters daughter (Haun) 100%.

Go see it and tell everyone you know to go see it! Wonderful Movie!!

Broken Bridges Has It All

[marty519 · 10/10 · 4 November 2006]

What starts off as a slower paced, mom vs daughter in modern times film, slowly, moves into it's real plot which is you can come home if you left your heart there. The film does a great job in developing the relationship between the characters present and past and what might have been and what still might be. It develops, without over developing, the deep value of family and the simple things in life. The editing was a bit choppy, but the acting, music and story all work. The story includes headliners from country, but the director did not let them steal the film, nor distract from it, just contribute to it which is no small feat in film today.

Awesome movie!

[sheaa5 · 10/10 · 17 September 2006]

Thought the movie was great! My husband and I shed some tears and laughs throughout the movie. :) We were really able to feel what everyone was feeling. When Toby saw his daughter for the first time it was like you were apart of that moment. :) I compare the movie with Pure Country with George Strait, it was an awesome chick flick. Hubby and I drove an hour to a theater which was playing it. :) It was well worth the travel. :) Toby and the rest of the cast shined and I knew they would. :) Looking forward to Toby's next movie. :) All around awesome movie. One of this years best. Toby will have many critics for this film as he does with many other things. But he truly was great and sometimes I feel that the people who criticize him are just jealous of him and his success. :) I am a huge fan of his music and his acting now. :)

idrinkred must have been drinking too much.

[jmrightsell · 10/10 · 8 September 2006]

I saw the premier for the movie last night. I expected the movie to be OK, but I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Toby Keith did an excellent job playing a very serious role. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get the character and just see him, but he became the character completely. The music was inspiring and beautifully performed. Lindsey Haun was also great in the movie. Now I don't want to spoil the movie, however I have to comment on idrinkred's review. He must not have been paying attention to the movie, because in a scene or two before the memorial service, she was painting the house with her mother and wanted to paint something pink, and her mother said her grandfather wouldn't approve. At the end of the movie one scene later it shows the door painted pink! Therefore the item that was on Dixie's finger was pink paint! Comment number two is completely false, and comment number three: This movie is NOT a romance movie, it is a drama about a father getting to know his daughter. I highly recommend this movie. It will stir all of your emotions.