At its best, LOVE RANCH feels like some forgotten classic of ’70s Americana, an abandoned stepchild of Peter Bogdonavich or Bob Rafelson, with a dash of Roger Corman thrown in. There is a kind of nostalgic pleasure to be had in the affection it evinces for the kitsch and vulgarity that was at one time the norm in our culture, before the slow and still ongoing displacement of supermarkets, diners and cheap motels by organic groceries, tapas bars and boutique hotels. Taylor Hackford always wraps things up a little too neatly for my taste, but of the films of his that I have seen (An Officer and a Gentleman included), this is the purest and the most genuine. And if Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci get noticed when the next awards season rolls around, it will be well-deserved.

Check listings for viewing options.