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Review: 'Transamerica' goes placesBrilliant performances highlight filmBy Paul Clinton  Kevin Zegers and Felicity Huffman in "Transamerica." FACT BOX'Transamerica' Starring: Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers, Graham Greene, Elizabeth Pena, Burt Young Directed and written by: Duncan Tucker Studio: The Weinstein Co. YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS(CNN) -- "Transamerica" is all about journeys. Not only is this exceptional film a road movie in which the two main characters travel from New York to California, but it is also a journey of the heart, brought to bold life by Felicity Huffman's career-defining performance as Bree, a man who is in the final stages of sexual reassignment surgery to become a woman. Bree has been working two jobs in order to pay for her dream when she receives a shocking phone call. Unbeknownst to her, a heterosexual encounter in college resulted in a son she knew nothing about. Now the young man, Toby (Kevin Zegers), has been arrested in New York City for street hustling and needs bail in order to be released. Bree wants nothing to do with the troubled teen, but her therapist, played by Elizabeth Pena, insists that she confront her past before beginning her future as a woman. Upon her arrival in New York, Toby assumes that Bree -- due to her stern, conservative appearance -- is some type of Christian missionary who rescues street people. Bree willingly goes along with this misconception. To her horror, though, Bree discovers that Toby plans on jumping bail and heading to California in order to become a porn star and search for his real father. In a desperate move, Bree offers to drive him there and secretly hopes to reunite him with his stepfather. From deception to trustAs they begin, their relationship is almost totally built upon lies and deception. But, eventually, the truth is revealed. These two damaged people, who have been abused by society, slowly build a tentative trust as the miles slip by, resulting in an unlikely bond between mother (father, that is) and son. The results are at times heartbreaking, deeply touching and even oddly funny. "Transamerica" is Duncan Tucker's film debut as both writer and director. The idea for the film came to him after meeting and befriending a pre-op transsexual. Tucker was deeply stirred by her courage and the incredibly difficult life she had led. Huffman gives an incredibly brave performance and gives a human face to a concept that makes many of us highly uncomfortable. She's already been recognized by several groups for her work, and is up for a Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award. Oscar should follow. It should also be noted that her husband, actor William H. Macy, served as the film's executive producer. Zegers also delivers a carefully constructed performance as Toby. His personal journey from an angry, rebellious teenager to someone who learns to trust -- and even love -- Bree is totally believable and very affecting. The result of Huffman's and Zegers' fine performances, and Tucker's excellent work, is one of the most thought-provoking and best films of the year. 
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