'On the Road' Review Roundup: Kristen Stewart's New Film Expands with Mixed Reviews

On March 22^nd, IFC films will expand Walter Salles' "On the Road."

Starring Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, and Sam Riley, the film tells the story of Young writer Sal Paradise who has his life shaken by the arrival of free-spirited Dean Moriarty and his girl, Marylou. As they travel across the country, they encounter a mix of people who each impact their journey indelibly.

"Road" was originally released in December in order to qualify for the Academy Awards but did not get nominated. The film opened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and scored mixed reviews. Richard Roeper stated "Well-intentioned and well-made but self-indulgent exercise tries really hard but falls short."

The Wall Street Journal was also mixed about the film and said "It's neither the first nor the best road trip that Mr. Salles has brought to the screen."

The Rolling Stone stated "A dash of Tarantino might have juiced up Walter Salles' wrongheadedly well-mannered take on Jack Kerouac's 1957 Beat Generation landmark. On the Road feels tight and constricted."

On the Other hand The Atlantic enjoyed the film, "Salles brings evocative images, fresh faces, and some fine emotional shadings to the famous tale of friendship, love, sex, drugs, jazz, literature, and the American landscape."

Hollywood Reporter also liked it and stated "While the film's dramatic impact is variable, visually and aurally it is a constant pleasure."  

Salles' is best known for his work on "The Motorcycle Diaires" and "Dark Water." Stewart recently completed "The Twilight Saga" and starred in "Snow White and the Huntsman."

Hedlund last starred in "Tron: Legacy" and will be seen in the upcoming Coen brothers picture "Inside Llewyn Davis." Riley is best known for his work in "Control" and will star in the upcoming "Byzantium" and "Malficent."

"On the Road also stars Amy Adams, Kristen Stewart, Viggo Mortenson, Alice Braga, and Tom Sturridge. The film will play in 37 theaters and is rated R for strong sexual content, drug use and language.