Prince Avalanche

Following a trio of mediocre studio comedies (Pineapple Express, Your Highness, The Sitter), writer-director David Gordon Green returns to his indie roots with this strangely affecting comedy-drama, set in a burned-out forest in rural Texas. In what amounts largely to a two-man show, Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch star as Alvin and Lance, respectively, a pair of road maintenance workers who paint center stripes and install mileage markers along a stretch of remote asphalt in an area devastated by a recent blaze. Alvin, who is endlessly driven to improve himself and meticulously plans out every detail of his future, landed the job for Lance—his girlfriend's brother—who is only interested in good times. Stuck together in makeshift campsites along the route, the two bicker and complain, and are occasionally visited by a grizzled trucker (Lance LeGault) who offers them advice concerning women (and some whiskey). A turning point in what passes for a plot here occurs when Lance goes off for a weekend and returns with bad news for both himself and Alvin—leading to a drunken bonding session as they sympathize with each other's plight. Prince Avalanche is like The Odd Couple in the great outdoors, replete with sometimes amusing and sometimes revealing dialogue. An alternately funny and sad rumination on the fragility of human affairs that also suggests the possibilities of new beginnings, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director David Gordon Green, set production assistant Hugo Garza, and set intern Paul Logan, a “From the Ashes” location featurette (10 min.), an interview with costars Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch (7 min.), a “Paul & Emile” featurette (7 min.), an interview with Green (5 min.), a tribute to costar Lance LeGault (5 min.), an ASX TV-produced segment on the film (4 min.), a brief deleted scene, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an engaging film.] (F. Swietek)