Daltry Calhoun Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Johnny Knoxville tries to save his struggling golf club and ‘legal grass’ business while awkwardly bonding with the musical prodigy daughter he never knew he had.

🍿 Daltry Calhoun: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Daltry Calhoun

Daltry Calhoun introduces us to Johnny Knoxville’s titular character, a self-made entrepreneur in small-town Tennessee. Daltry has built a successful, if quirky, business empire around selling hybrid grass seed, famously advertised with the slogan, ‘Get high on grass! The LEGAL kind!’ Despite his unconventional success, Daltry’s life is about to be upended. His seemingly idyllic world, centered around his fading golf club and unique business, is about to face significant challenges. Strange growths begin to appear on his prized grass, threatening his livelihood and reputation. This financial uncertainty coincides with a major personal development that forces him to confront his past.

June’s Unexpected Arrival

Daltry’s life takes an unexpected turn with the sudden arrival of his estranged 14-year-old daughter, June (Sophie Traub). June is a musical prodigy, demonstrating remarkable talent and a sharp wit beyond her years. Her mother, May (Elizabeth Banks), Daltry’s former girlfriend, is suffering from an undisclosed illness, necessitating June’s unexpected reunion with the father she has never known. The film explores the awkward but endearing process of Daltry and June getting to know each other. June’s narration offers a unique perspective on the small-town dynamics and her father’s eccentricities. As they navigate their new reality, June also forms connections with other quirky residents, including the kind-hearted Doyle (David Koechner) and the supportive Flora Flick (Juliette Lewis).

Navigating Business Woes and Family Bonds

As Daltry attempts to bond with June, he must also contend with the escalating problems in his sod business. The mysterious issues with his grass seed threaten to collapse his empire, forcing him to find solutions while simultaneously embracing his new role as a father. This dual challenge pushes Daltry out of his comfort zone. The film weaves together the threads of Daltry’s professional struggles and his burgeoning relationship with June, highlighting themes of family, responsibility, and finding one’s true self. The interactions between the characters, set against the backdrop of rural Tennessee, create a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daltry Calhoun (Johnny Knoxville): A struggling small-town Tennessee entrepreneur who reunites with his estranged 14-year-old musical prodigy daughter as his business faces collapse.
• June (Sophie Traub): Daltry’s intelligent and musically gifted teenage daughter who unexpectedly comes into his life, maturing as she navigates her new family situation.
• May (Elizabeth Banks): Daltry’s former girlfriend and June’s ailing mother, who returns to his life and leaves their daughter in his care.
• Flora Flick (Juliette Lewis): A quirky and supportive store owner who has a romantic interest in Daltry and takes a kind interest in June.
• Doyle (David Koechner): Daltry’s kind-hearted but illiterate associate whom June patiently teaches to read, forming a unique bond.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Daltry Calhoun: “Get HIGH on grass! The LEGAL kind!” – This is Daltry’s catchy and memorable marketing slogan for his successful sod and hemp business, featured prominently in his TV commercials.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,551
• Worldwide Gross: $12,551

💥 Daltry Calhoun Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Daltry Calhoun’ expecting… well, a whole lot of Johnny Knoxville shenanigans, but I was genuinely surprised! This movie has so much heart. I loved how Knoxville played Daltry; he really showed a different side, making him awkward but incredibly endearing. The scenes where he’s just trying to figure out how to be a dad to June really got to me. And Sophie Traub as June? Absolutely captivating, she stole every scene she was in! I came away feeling really good, like I’d watched a genuinely sweet story about finding family in unexpected places. It’s definitely one of those quiet films that stick with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven indie dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in heartwarming father-daughter stories”
  • “Audiences looking for films set in unique Southern American locales”
  • “Those open to seeing Johnny Knoxville in a more serious, nuanced role”
  • “People who appreciate quirky characters and subtle humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language/profanity”
  • “Depictions of smoking (especially around a child, as noted by some viewers)”
  • “Themes of illness and parental abandonment”

Professional Reviews

• Indie Film Journal: “‘Daltry Calhoun’ emerges as a surprising indie gem, offering a heartfelt look at family and redemption. Johnny Knoxville, against expectations, delivers a subtly endearing performance as the titular character, anchoring a story that truly belongs to Sophie Traub’s luminous portrayal of June. Her quiet brilliance and the film’s authentic Southern charm make it a refreshing watch, far beyond its modest budget. It’s a gentle, character-driven narrative that sneaks up on you, proving that sometimes the biggest risks yield the most unexpected rewards.
• Cinema Spectrum: “While ‘Daltry Calhoun’ aims for a quirky Southern drama, it often stumbles in its execution. Johnny Knoxville is earnest, but the narrative struggles to maintain focus, juggling too many underdeveloped plot threads. Sophie Traub shines as June, providing much-needed emotional ballast, yet even her talent can’t fully elevate a script that feels more like a collection of pleasant ideas than a cohesive story. It’s a film with its heart in the right place, but one that ultimately feels a bit too slight to leave a lasting impression.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praised Sophie Traub’s performance as June, often calling her the film’s true discovery.: Many were pleasantly surprised by Johnny Knoxville’s nuanced portrayal and the movie’s unexpected warmth, finding it a genuine, heartfelt story that defied its initial marketing.

Overall Consensus: Daltry Calhoun is generally regarded as a charming, understated drama, often praised for its unexpected emotional depth and standout performances, particularly from Sophie Traub, despite mixed opinions on its pacing and overall narrative focus.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed in Columbia, Tennessee, which is widely known as the Mule Capital of the World.”
• “Katrina Holden Bronson, the film’s writer and director, is the daughter of the famous actor Charles Bronson and actress Jill Ireland.”
• “Quentin Tarantino served as a co-executive producer for the film, a detail that was sometimes used in marketing despite his limited direct involvement in the day-to-day production.”
• “This film represented a significant shift for Johnny Knoxville, who was primarily known for his comedic and stunt work in ‘Jackass,’ showcasing his capabilities in a more dramatic and endearing role.”
• “Despite an estimated budget of $3 million, ‘Daltry Calhoun’ had a remarkably low box office gross, taking in just over $12,500 worldwide, making it a notable financial flop.”

🖥️ How to Watch Daltry Calhoun?

While ‘Daltry Calhoun’ had a limited theatrical release, it is primarily available for digital purchase or rent. You can find the movie on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and other major digital storefronts. Check your preferred service for current pricing and availability. For those seeking physical media, DVDs may still be available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Daltry Calhoun, you might like these similar films:

• My Girl (1991): Reviewers explicitly compared ‘Daltry Calhoun’ to ‘My Girl,’ noting its heartwarming focus on a young girl’s coming-of-age and her unique relationship with a parental figure in a more contemporary, less cheesy style.
• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Referenced within the film as a book June is reading, it shares thematic elements of Southern life, moral growth through a child’s perspective, and the profound impact of unconventional adult figures.
• The Ringer (2005): Also starring Johnny Knoxville and released around the same time, this film allows audiences to compare his range and explore his acting beyond his ‘Jackass’ persona.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): This film features a quirky family rallying around a young girl with a unique talent, navigating personal and familial struggles with a blend of heartwarming drama and offbeat humor, much like June’s story.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): It explores themes of an unconventional father raising highly intelligent and talented children, dealing with family bonds, unique upbringings, and the challenges of integrating into mainstream society.

🛒 Daltry Calhoun Related Products

• Daltry Calhoun (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray): Relive the heartwarming and quirky tale of Daltry Calhoun with this collector’s edition, featuring a digitally remastered picture and sound, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and an exclusive interview with director Katrina Holden Bronson.
• Southern Indie Film Festival Digital Pass (Seasonal): A virtual pass granting access to a curated selection of independent films celebrating Southern storytelling and filmmaking, similar to the unique spirit of ‘Daltry Calhoun’. New films added seasonally.
• ‘Hemp King’ Golf Club Headcover (Inspired by Daltry Calhoun): Protect your driver in style with this humorous golf club headcover, inspired by Daltry Calhoun’s ‘Get HIGH on grass! The LEGAL kind!’ motto. Made from durable, high-quality fabric.
• ‘Prodigy’s Path’ Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit: Unleash your inner musical prodigy with this beginner-friendly acoustic guitar kit, complete with a quality instrument, tuner, picks, and a ‘Learn to Play’ e-guide – perfect for aspiring musicians like June.

🎧 Soundtrack

Daltry Calhoun features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Kids in America” – performed by Kim Wilde

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Blue Mother Tupelo “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” from Daltry Calhoun

Ever wonder what gives Daltry Calhoun that unique, heartfelt vibe? Check out this fantastic song by Blue Mother Tupelo, straight from the movie – it really sets the mood and perfectly encapsulates the film’s charming, slightly quirky spirit!

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