Talkie Zoo: THE ROAD

Strange and graphic, this film deals with how the world might be after a nuclear holocaust. The Road (2009; R)centers on a man and his young son as they travel across the devastated country to get to the west coast, where they hope against hope that things are better for them. The Man is played by Viggo Mortenson. Additional characters are played by such greats as Charlize Theron and Robert Duvall. Strangely, though, none of the characters have names. They are known only by the parts they play.

As the Man and Son make their way across the country, they eat by any means they can and encounter people who are either depraved or good. Being in a nuclear winter means the forests and fields are dead, as is most of the wildlife. What few animals remain are fair game for everyone. For some, even cannibalism is an option as food resources have declined. The actors in the film all appear to have been using HCG shots Austin provides, they are so incredibly lean in the film.

This is a very dark story, and could be depressing if I didn't understand that it's just a movie, made from a book. Still, it gives you something to think about as far as preparedness goes when the Man and the Boy encounter a bomb shelter filled to the hilt with non-perishable foods and beverages, candles, and other survival necessities.