Mackenzie Ziegler | Through the Shattered Lens

One of the over 30 films to feature Eric Roberts in 2025, Shakey Grounds tells the story of Travis (Eric Nelsen), a sullen and hard-drinking singer who lives in Arkansas and who is struggling to cope with the suicide of his best friend. When recently fired record company executive Nick (Jonny Danks) shows up in Travis’s home town, it looks like it might be a chance for Travis to become a star. But can Travis get out of his own way or is he destined to just be another angry burn-out?

I will admit that I have a weakness for low-budget films like this one and, as someone who has family in the state, I appreciate that the film took place in Arkansas and that it had a relatively positive attitude towards the Natural State. Some of the performances are better than others. I liked Ella Cannon’s performance as Mel and Mackenzie Ziegler did a good job as a character named Lisa (!), even though she wasn’t given a whole lot to do. The main problem with the film was the script, which was overwritten and full exchanges of dialogue that just didn’t seem to flow naturally. Even worse, I wasn’t really sold on Travis’s music or even Travis himself. For the most part, he just came across as someone trying too hard to be Kurt Cobain. His main song sounded like it was written by an AI that had been prompted to sound angsty.

As for Eric Roberts, he appears in one scene and one scene alone. He plays the president of the record label, the one who fires Nick. Acting from behind a desk, Eric doesn’t even stand up during his performance but he does spit out a few insults with elan. Eric Roberts always seem to have fun playing a mean boss. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in 2026!

Previous Eric Roberts Films That We Have Reviewed: