Tumbleweeds (1999 film)

Tumbleweeds is a 1999 American comedydrama film directed by Gavin OConnor. He cowrote the screenplay with his thenwife Angela Shelton, who was inspired by her memories of a childhood spent on the road with her serialmarrying mother. The film starred Janet McTeer, Kimberly J. Brown and Jay O. Sanders.

Mother and daughter embark upon a journey. When a reunion with an old beau in Missouri proves to be less successful than anticipated, Mary Jo accedes to Avas desire to see the Pacific Ocean and heads west. Mary Jo wishes to separate herself from her old life, which is manifested when she and her daughter throw the formers clothing from the car window. En route they are assisted by longdistance trucker Jack Ranson, who coincidentally reenters their lives after they have settled in San Diego. Once again, Mary Jo forgoes both her independence and daughters wellbeing in favor of having a man in her life. She quits her office job. On face value, Avas life has changed for the better. For example, she makes friends with a girl in her class although they later part ways when the girl becomes jealous of Avas acting talents. Ava also secures a starring role as Romeo in the school play, Romeo and Juliet. Lastly, Ava is ecstatic when she finds a boyfriend, who takes her to watch a movie. Matters, however, become complicated when Jack becomes verbally aggressive towards Mary Jo. Jack exhibits his true personality when he takes Mary Jo and Ava to a fine dinner and becomes infuriated by Avas attitude. Ava, however, is just excited about the prospect of having a leading role in the play.When Ava and Mary Jo flee the restaurant, they spend the night in a motel, a scenario with which both mother and daughter are familiar. The next day, Mary Jo is adamant that the two leave town, with only their clothing on their backs. Ava decides to put her foot down and rebel. She tells her mother that she is tired of moving from state to state and is frustrated by her mothers carefree attitude. Although Mary Jo is at first furious at Avas refusal to cooperate, Mary Jo then realizes that there is the need to make significant changes in their lives. She finally accepts that her behavior has had severe negative repercussions on her daughter. ........

Source: Wikipedia