Russ Millings serves his 21-year prison sentence well, earning trust from police officers and his new boss. He sticks to himself, quietly does his work, and lives out of a rundown hotel room. Just as the monotony grows unbearable, Russ discovers a little baby girl, Ella, in the dumpster behind his workplace.

Now, Russ has someone to love and take care of, but after a quick trip to the pediatrician, authorities discover that Russ has been keeping the baby for several days, an act of service that the state of California labels kidnapping. Russ escapes the state, hopping the first bus to his hometown in Wyoming. There, his deceased father has left a collection of priceless stamps that Russ uses to get back on his feet, see the world he’s missed, and return to California to ensure Ella’s well-being.

Adopt a Highway reminds viewers that everyone deserves a second chance and nonjudgmental love. Overall, redemption and new chances round off the story, but rough language and a few prison scenes rank this film Dove-Approved for Ages 18+.

The Dove Take:

An ex-convict finds redemption when he discovers an abandoned baby in a dumpster, but this film’s language and prison scenes aren’t appropriate for young audiences.