User reviews

You cannot be more down to earth than having no shoes and socks on. Barefoot is being risky, because you're expose yourself to getting hurt (a lot). But it also means you feel things on a different level, you probably enjoy things more than others, since you are more connected to things and letting them in.

Evan Rachel Woods is terrific in playing the innocent, quirky character in this one. And she kind of steals the show, though Scott Speedman is our central character, who's the one learning life lessons and not the other way around. Even though this is predictable, you root for things to happen and cannot help but feel elevated at times or being sad with the characters too. The connection is there, if you allow it to happen

As a German movie fan I am familiar with Til Schweiger's original 'Barfuss' (2005). But since I always try to keep an open mind I was intrigued to see this remake - and I wasn't disappointed.

'Barefoot' - as an americanized version - tells the story a little bit different and dips more into the romantic (comedy) genre. That's fine by me because a mere copy of Schweiger's film would be pretty redundant. Evan Rachel Wood plays beautifully and portrays an adorable innocence in her role as 'Daisy', the mental patient accompanying Scott Speedman's 'Jay' to his brothers wedding. Their unusual bond is sweet and the movie has more of a light romantic dramedy tone than the original. The colors are warm and the tempo is upbeat but slows down for some nicely done heart-to-heart scenes. I especially loved the setup of certain pivotal scene towards the end.

I can already hear all those serious movie 'critics' moaning about yet another unnecessary remake but that's just it - this remake is not unnecessary. It tells a similar story with a different tone, in a different light, with a different background - transitioning it to a lighter genre. It's not taking anything away from the original - I see it as more of a bonus and really liked it.

Don't look too deeply. This is a movie that wants to be fun and adventurous and a little bit dangerous. If you're in the right mood, you don't need much more than that. Sure it's ridiculous and implausible and poorly edited, and Scott Speedman only has two gears, and the writing is a little off, and the central relationship is a little creepy on several different levels. No matter. This is one of those movies that is touched by the magic of the movies -- maybe not enough to make it great or even good as a movie, but it has a relentless sparkle-eyed charm that makes it pleasant and irrationally satisfying as an experience.

I watched this movie last night not knowing what to expect. I briefly read the premise and thought I'd take a chance and watch it. In a word, I was not disappointed. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys just a good, simple, plain vanilla romantic movie. If you're not into that, then you wouldn't appreciate this movie.

The movie starts out kind of slow and slowly builds momentum. Granted, the acting is not the greatest I've seen, the story line is not fluid; it's broken up and has plot holes and just not developed very well. It's supposed to be a comedy, but didn't find it hilarious. It's more cute than funny.

However, and a big however, all things considered, I liked the movie. I found it heart-warming and love does conquer all after all. I didn't over analyze it or read too much into it. I just accepted it for what it is and enjoyed it over all.

Sometimes all you are looking for is a simple story that is about simple people and simple lives. This one is about pure characters who find each other. Don't give a damn to the critics reviews or ratings. Just enjoy this one for a fun filled evening with a glass of wine. You won't regret it!

Jay Wheeler (Scott Speedman) lives up to his name as a wheeler-dealer. A son of wealthy New Orleans stock, he has chosen to run up gambling debts and pursue other nefarious actions. This lands him in jail, where he is sentenced to community service at a mental hospital. While mopping the floors, he saves a pretty patient, Daisy (Evan Rachel Wood) from being assaulted by a male resident of the same ward. Not long after this, his gambling totals are so large that the casinos are after him. His only recourse is to go back home for his brother's wedding, where he will ask his father for a "business loan". But, needing to look the part of a successful gentleman, Jay decides he needs a lady on his arm. All of the pole dancers of his acquaintance turn him down so he gets the brilliant idea to bring DAISY, after she follows him out the door one night. Is he serious? Yes, she's highly functional but may have killed her mother, also a disturbed individual. With instructions to tell everyone she is a nurse, can Daisy and Jay pull this ruse off? Not likely, and soon other escapades follow. Meanwhile, the hospital's head shrink (JK Simmons) is throwing fit after fit. Is there a future for this strange couple? This remake of a German film has a great concept and a winning performance from Wood to elevate its eventual loss of energy. What fun to have a "crazy" woman pose as a gal pal at a high society wedding! Speedman does fine work, too, as do Treat Williams, Simmons, Kate Burton and more. As the scenery goes from California to Louisiana to Texas and back again, fans of varied venues will be happy, too. Yes, the flick slows down and loses focus in the second half but still will resonate with a certain kind of offbeat film lover. So, if that's you, get shoes on and go get Barefoot.

The black sheep loser of an affluent family (Scott Speedman) is forced to mop floors at a mental facility while on probation wherein he meets an angelic patient (Evan Rachel Wood). He takes her to Louisiana to meet his family and misadventures ensue. Treat Williams plays the dad and J.K. Simmons the director of the asylum.

"Barefoot" (2014) is an entertaining enough romcom misadventure and part-road movie. Wood is stunning in an innocent, celestial way, but needs to eat some hamburgers. There's a Prodigal Son angle and the movie leaves you with a warm feeling despite some debaucheries in the first half.

The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot entirely in Louisiana.

GRADE: B-

It was a very well written script with excellent acting by the lead pair. Evan Rachael was flawless in her portrayal with some great support by Scott. Its very different than your average Rom-com but does fall prey at some areas to the regular formula film making. Nevertheless a movie that's light & frothy which will end up making you feel for the characters. Its a good choice for a refresher after a day's long work to just unwind. The cinematography and music were also working well with the script. The direction was top notch and it looked like the director knew what he wanted from his actors. I wouldn't really mind watching it again sometime. A surprise package indeed, go for it !!!

A wayward son of a wealthy family working in a mental hospital brings a mental patient to his brother's wedding.

The story is sweet and at sometimes a little lacking in subtlety but overall it's watchable romantic comedy that's quite light hearted and has two leads that are good. It could have been funnier and better written in parts but it's still worth a watch for fans of the leads.

Evan Rachel Wood's unique charm and loveliness save her character Daisy Kensington from being annoying. Evan is such a versatile actress she can play anything from super sweet to evil (Mildred Pierce) and her innocence is believable here. The character is given some dialog and behavior that could have been better written. Scott Speedman is fairly charming and rakish in his role looking for help from his parents. Shouldn't have made him so scruffy.

Worth one watch.

One of the best romantic movies I've seen in a long time. Scott Speedman is great but Evan Rachel Wood is SPECTACULAR as the semi clueless character he supporting cast of J. K. Simmons, Treat Williams, and Kate Burton is supreme as well.

Well worth your time if your looking for romance.

Brad.

Such a great cast and what a cute story! This movie was simple and fun, so well done! I smiled multiple times and so need that in our lives!

There are very few movies that make u leave smiling when it ends n this is surely one of them. The actress Evan Rachel wood looks stunning natural beauty with natural emotions and a very lovable level of innocence , the story is different from usual boy meets girl romantic genre, movie is edgy with some cute lines ,handling the issue of home locked person with a scizopernic mother beautifully,the actor looks smart and has acted well,this is a movie id love to watch some other time too .

i recommend it to every one who is looking forward for a nice out of the box romantic movie .

I enjoyed the premise of this movie, but it felt like there were pieces missing from the storyline. There wasn't enough backstory on either of the leads, the mother seemed to jump from meeting a stranger to all of a sudden becoming besotted with her, and the films synopsis focused on an arc that was over by the middle of the movie. There is so much that should have been added to the storyline that would made it a bit more likable. The characters were enjoyable, especially Daisy and her naiveté although these characters would have been better received (once again) if the story was fleshed out a bit more.

Not a waste of time, but also not a story I'd return to.

I liked it. I am here because I need help placing the location of the carousel.

I am certain I have been on it. Santa Monica? San Antonio? New Orleans? Thanks..

Unlike any other predictable romantic love story, "Barefoot" tells a love story about two unordinary person - an isolated girl who's been accused for mentally ill and troublemaker son from a wealthy family. The story was nicely developed along with the leadings' characters. It made me stay until the end of movie to see whether it would go for happy ending or tragically twisted.

Though in my opinion, Evan Rachel Wood was more shiny than Scott Speedman. In some scene, Scott seemed unable to show his struggle expression but it has been covered by Wood.

It was definitely my selection for valentine's day. Too pity, I knew the movie few days after when it was played on cable TV.

"Barefoot" is a very frustrating film to watch. The acting is very nice, the direction very good as well and the film has a lovely soundtrack. So it has everything you'd want in a rom-com...except for an intelligent and well-written script. Rarely have I seen a film like this---where everything was so good and the script was so darn awful. It's a shame, as the folks in this film deserve more...as does the audience.

Scott Speedman stars as Jay--a very, very, very irresponsible and unlikable guy. Sure, he's handsome but it's hard to care about any leading character in a romantic film who is a thief, loves to spend all his time gambling and hanging out in strip clubs, kidnaps a mental patient and skips out on probation. He's in trouble because he owes bookies a lot of money and they're threatening his life. Because he's not a very nice person, no one will give him money and he's desperate. Ultimately, he comes up with a plan so stupid, unfunny and bizarre that I just couldn't believe the film. You see, he also works as a janitor in a mental hospital. And, when a cute mental patient named Diasy (Evan Rachel Ward) sneaks out of the hospital to follow Jay*, he decides to take her across the country to his brother's wedding. Why? Because he wants to convince his family he's no longer irresponsible and has a good job and a steady girlfriend. Unfortunately, she is bizarre and is much like bringing a feral child into civilization. With very few social skills and little understanding of the real world, his highly illegal and insane plan seems preposterous. It's also apparently supposed to be funny...which it never really is.

After convincing everyone but Jay's mother that Daisy is nuts, Jay's plan falls apart. So what does he do? He steals his father's beautiful classic motor home and goes on a cross-country road trip. Now, the motor home looks like it was made in the 1950s and is turquoise, yet for a long time he's able to elude the police--even during a high-speed chase! Yet, because the film is supposed to be a rom-com, by the end of the film everything just magically works out and they live happily ever after. Now think about it, if ANYONE (even someone not as screwed up as Jay) kidnaps a woman, steals a motor home, jumps probation and causes half the police in Texas to pursue him, you would never, ever expect a happy ending...just a trip to prison (though, I suppose, it COULD lead to romance...but that's another film I suppose).

The bottom line is that the actors were actually very good in their roles. Additionally, the film was very competently directed---as the film looked very nice and set a lovely mood. But with such an awful script, how can you possibly make a decent film?! This is an annoying film. It has many nice elements but is just terrible in spite of this. You and your date could certainly find a movie better than this for your date night. Heck, it would be hard not to! *How did Daisy escape? She just walked out the door and it magically let her go! No alarms, no security detail in pursuit...nothing!

Not real sure why this didn't get a better score on Rotten Tomatoes! I am glad that I watched it anyway! Evan Rachel Wood is one of my favorite actresses ever since I saw her in "Thirteen" She is really great at "feeling" her character!! She did a perfect job with playing the innocent, sweet, isolated girl that falls in love! Fabulous story! Great job! Must watch, very heartfelt!

I'd watch this movie if you are out of other things you would rather watch and would enjoy a very simple yet slightly quirky love story.

The writing and plot are where this movie is very plain. There were a couple laughs in it and it was mildly entertaining but it doesn't leave you feeling like you've watched anything wonderful. Best I can say is that I wasn't bored but wasn't enthralled either.

I think Evan Rachel Wood and Scott Speedman did a good job with their characters but their roles didn't really give them a chance to shine.

If you're thinking about watching this movie for Evan's acting like I did, I'll have to warn you, she's good in it too but you won't get that awe you usually feel after seeing her performance (still good but not the inhumanely good acting that is her norm).

Wait a second. When did 'mentally ill' mean 'neonatally intelligent manic pixie dream girl'?!? I registered just to comment on the ridiculousness of this movie. It solely relies on the attractiveness of its lead actors. It is rushed, unrealistic, cliché. Can you say overdone estranged father-son dynamic?!?! Despite being feel-goody, this movie is just too stupid to take sincerely. Even a little bit. I am very sorry I picked this off of Netflix. And shame on y'all for trying to say it's 'artsy'."I think she's just suffering from PTSD"?!?! Seriously...? IMDb thinks I need to add more lines to this review. Honestly there is nothing else about this movie worth saying.