Powwow Highway

This offbeat little jewel of a movie features a standout performance by Gary Farmer as Philbert, a hulking Cheyenne who goes on a "vision quest" from Montana to Arizona with his war pony: a trashed '64 Buick Wildcat. Accompanied by Buddy Red Bow (A Martinez), an angry young Native American, who wants to free his sister from jail (she's been unfairly incarcerated because of Buddy's political activism against the mining company on the reservation), the two hit the highway. To Buddy's extreme consternation, Philbert keeps taking detours (like South Dakota) because the "spirit" moves him to visit the hallowed places of his ancestors. Their one concession to modernity--installing a complex car stereo that is worth twice as much as the car itself--provides the comic highlight of the film. The final reel lags a bit, as the duo get caught up in an extensive chase scene, that very nearly ends in tragedy. But a hilarious ending, and Farmer's childlike character (he looks like a cross between Burt Reynolds and Jonathan Winters), save the day. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman) [DVD Review--March 22, 2005--Anchor Bay, 87 min., R, $14.98--Making its debut on DVD, 1988's Powwow Highway is presented with a good widescreen transfer and solid Dolby Digital mono sound, but no extras. Bottom line: still one of my favorite low-budget indie films for the late '80s, this bargain-priced winner is highly recommended.]