The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
Film

TFF 2016 Review: ‘Youth in Oregon’ Starring Frank Langella

by Joshua Kaye April 24, 2016
by Joshua Kaye April 24, 2016 0 comments
3.2K

While Frank Langella shines in this indie, the rest of the film can’t seem to find its footing and is more underwhelming than anything else.

A dysfunctional family drama centered on the central character and his road trip to Oregon for an assisted suicide? Well…that’s not exactly something you see everyday, or ever. But in Joel David Moore’s second feature film, that’s exactly what we’re watching. And for the most part, it’s not a bad experience. Not every beat hits its mark, a few of the performances underwhelm, and a lot of moments can feel very forced, but you almost forget all of that when you watch Frank Langella dominate the screen.

Raymond Engersol is married, has two children who are both successful, and a couple of grandchildren. Up to this point, it’s safe to say he’s lived a good and full life. Suffering a heart attack a couple of years ago, he and his wife Estelle (Mary Kay Place) have been living with their daughter Kate (Christina Applegate) and her husband Brian (Billy Crudup). Things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing, as Ray can be a bit of a grump and all Brian wants is his life back the way it was before his in-laws intruded on his marriage and family. Luckily for Brian, he may end up getting his wish as Ray (at a birthday dinner with his family) announces that he’s decided to take his life with assistance of a doctor.

Ray’s plan is to have a complete stranger drive him to his birthplace of Oregon, where assisted suicide is legal as long as you’re eligible for it. Kate, trying her hardest to talk her father out of it, realizes he won’t budge and decides she’s going to be the one to drive him out to Oregon. Only some bizarre, forced plot device involving her daughter Annie (Nicola Peltz) prevents Kate from driving Ray out to Oregon. So instead, Brian reluctantly volunteers to take the road trip with Ray and Estelle. Brian expects that Ray will change his mind after driving through a couple of states, but that hardly ends up being the case at all.

It’s no surprise that Frank Langella is the best part of this movie, as he’s typically one of the best parts of any movie that he stars in. His presence alone demands your attention and in his role as Ray, he makes an otherwise unlikeable character someone who you can feel for and relate to. Crudup and Place spend a majority of their time on screen alongside Langella and for the most part do an admirable job of holding their own. But for the rest of the cast, they’re not given nearly as much to work with and their performances suffer because of the lackluster writing.

With Youth in Oregon, it appears that Moore and screenwriter Andrew Eisen want to tackle family drama, euthanasia, and sexuality with a balance of comedy and drama. And at some points throughout the film, it’s entertaining and it works. For the most part that’s hardly the case and a lot of the story and secondary plots feel as if they don’t belong. That’s not to say that Langella’s performance is completely wasted on an underwhelming indie film, but he definitely deserved a bit better.

Youth in Oregon is directed by Joel David Moore, written by Andrew Eisen, and stars Frank Langella, Billy Crudup, Christina Applegate, Nicola Peltz, Josh Lucas, Mary Kay Place, and Alex Shaffer. Youth in Oregon has not been given a release date at this time.

We screened the film at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.

alex shafferandrew eisenBilly CrudupChristina ApplegateFrank Langellajoel david mooreJosh LucasMary Kay PlaceNicola PeltzYouth in Oregon
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Joshua Kaye

previous post
Christian Siriano’s Kleinfeld Collection Proves Bridal Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
next post
Exclusive: Get To Know Chef’Special

Related Posts

INTERVIEW: Directing Duo JamsBash Talk Collaborative Partnership and...

July 14, 2025

Super-Meh: James Gunn’s Superman Feels Like It’s Trying...

July 11, 2025

Julian Lerner: Leading a New Era of Disney...

July 8, 2025

Review: ‘Heads of State’ Brings Comedy to The...

July 3, 2025

Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, and Malachi...

July 2, 2025

M3GAN 2.0 Is Ridiculous Over-The-Top Fun, but Also...

June 27, 2025

Inside the Lavish and Starry New York Premiere...

June 24, 2025

Film Review: ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’

June 24, 2025

Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Showcase

June 22, 2025

Exclusive: Rebel Wilson Talks Weddings at “Bride Hard”...

June 21, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends hea James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends heart, humor, and high stakes. 🦸🏻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/super-meh-james-gunns-superman-feels-like-its-trying-too-hard-to-be-everything/

✍️: Julian Cannon 

-
#Superman #JamesGunn #DCStudios #DCUniverse #ManOfSteel #SuperheroMovies #MovieReview
Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

-
#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
-
#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

-
#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
❤️Like this post
👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

-
#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
-
#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

-
#ExclusiveInterview #YourFavoriteColor #LessInLove #IndieMusic
@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch