a formal review.
(2009) “Away We Go” is subtle and outstanding. This film about a couple’s journey together is unpredictably funny, sometimes rocky, and absolutely realistic. Director Sam Mendes, coming off last year’s “Revolutionary Road” fame and anchoring his directorial career with an Academy win for “American Beauty”, does not play it safe. John Krasinski, best-known for his role as Jim Halpert in TV’s “The Office”, and Maya Rudolph, with 9 years of “Saturday Night Live” acclaim, are wonderful as the starring pair. Focus Features in association with Big Beach Films brought us this art house cinematic piece.
Burt (Krasinski) and Verona (Rudolph) are in love and expecting. As they start to prepare for their baby, Burt’s parents (played by Catherine O’Hara and Jeff Daniels) decide to move across the world and all of a sudden the couple’s only safety net is gone. When that happens and other things start to fall apart, Burt and Verona feel so displaced that they go on a search for a better place to raise their family. This time away helps them reconnect with friends and family but also puts them in the middle of some challenging situations and refreshing realizations.
Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida brought their marital experience to the table when they wrote this script. Their candor can be felt through the words that the actors share. Allison Janney and Maggie Gyllenhaal also do not disappoint when they take this stage. “Away We Go” is rated R for sexual content and language. It starts off with a sex scene that although is not explicit is pretty obvious and may make some viewers uncomfortable. However, that opening scene sets up the storyline and the comedic tone perfectly. I imagine that everyone might not connect with this 98 minute flick and it may very well be a niche film but it is a terrific story. “Away We Go” makes you want to be brave in the midst of everyday life.
My recommendation: Great movie. If you can handle the adult themes, you should definitely see it in theaters. It’s not drawn out or over the top.
Courtesy of Casey Elle’s BOGGS Scale Bad-Okay-Good-Great-Stellar
image: copyright Focus Features 2009
(C) Copyright 2009.
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