Search - Catching out: A Film About Trainhopping and Living Free on DVD

Not what I expected, but in a good way!

Tony Comstock | 07/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The truth is, I'm not sure what I expected. "Catching Out" isn't a train movie (but there's lots of beautiful shot, gestural train footage); It's not really an alternate lifestyle movie (though it revolves entirely around the various subsets of Hobo Culture. But in the end, "Catching Out" is a visual tone-poem on the idea of freedom. Is freedom "just another word for nothing left to lose?" Or is freedom actually this romanticized notion we're indoctrinated into as the highest American ideal? Or maybe it's both; or neither?

Don't look for answers in "Catching Out". (Don't look for locomotive fetish photography either!) Instead, against the expansive backdrop of the American West, there are ultimately only questions in this absolutely American film: questions about Frost's path in that yellow wood, about Thoreau's quiet pond; about what it means to chose your own destiny and (maybe) find your a little peace of mind along the way."

Hop a ride with "Catching Out"

Kevin J. Tostado | San Diego, CA | 07/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Catching Out" is an authentic, heart-felt look at four people living on the fringes of society who - illegally - hitch rides on trains as a means of getting around or just as a way of seeking the next adventure. Sarah George does an excellent job of capturing stories while keeping the viewer entertained and showcasing some beautiful scenery along the ride. George also does a decent job of contrasting and comparing the lives of these tramps and hobos to the ideals that a consumerist society imposes. Do not miss "Catching Out"!"

The call of wanderlust

Midwest Virginia Slim | St Louis | 07/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I LOVE this film! the scenery is beautiful and the music is not that hokey banjo stuff that usually accompanies trains in other movies I've seen with trains.
I was moved by the subjects' stories, especially Lee, the hobo anarchist who lives in a tree house. Each person in the film speaks of the American dream which isnt so much about buying into the american nightmarish"keep up with the Jones", but following their spirit.
Still when Switch and Baby Girl go at it in the 'mainstream world', I was rooting for them to succeed.
Anyone interested in the modern day train rider, should get this film and watch it in the comforts of their cozy couch! Sarah George captures the essence of modern train riding with poignancy and great artistic flare without venuring the hardships and truths of this hard core lifestyle."

Makes you question your own life and choices

WaterSheep | 09/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a rare film that makes you question your own life and choices. Yet you can't help doing so after meeting the engaging and complex characters in this film. This time of year we hear alot of politicians talk about the sacred American value of "freedom". This documentary causes you to ponder what the whole concept of "freedom" really means. It also makes you think about how this whole concept is tied up in our definition of what it is to be an "American". This film stays with you long after viewing and captures a unique way of life."