Spring Break
'Away We Go' delivers a refreshing summer film
Sean Smith
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
One of the things that I really enjoy about summertime is the movies. I love big blockbusters that are a little superficial and heavy on special effects and star power. Every summer, there is a new batch of big budget studio flicks that I cannot wait to see. "Away We Go," however, is not quite this type of movie but proves that I (and anyone else) can enjoy a Focus Features dramedy anytime of the year despite its competition.
"Away We Go" follows the story of Burt Farland (John Krasinski) and his girlfriend Verona (Maya Rudolph) as they discover they are going to have a child. After Burt's parents tell the couple that they are moving to Germany for two years, Burt and Verona realize there is no reason to stay where they are and decide to find the perfect place to raise their child. They also need to face the heavy reality that they are going to be parents, and maybe they are not as prepared as they would like.
The couple find themselves traveling across the country visiting friends and family hoping to find the perfect location. Along the way they find some interesting people that both help them discover where they don't want to live and also that the best way to raise a child is their own way.
Personally, this is my favorite Sam Mendes movie since "American Beauty." It is also a completely different kind of movie so don't expect many similarities. It also is a complete turn around from his past features "Revolutionary Road," "Jarhead" and "Road to Perdition." Mendes put Burt and Verona in some of the most awkward and hilarious situations but still manages to capture a tender romance between them that is offbeat but still extremely endearing. Mendes also did a fantastic job at giving a great personality and atmosphere to each of the different locations that Burt and Verona go to. Each place really spices up the movie.
The cast did an amazing job with their respective roles. John Krasinski plays the goofy, slightly clueless, but overall loveable Burt Farland. "Away We Go" is the perfect opportunity for Krasinski to really shine as an actor. Besides his character Jim Halpert on "The Office" and his role in "Leatherheads." Krasinski has not really had a chance to show his real potential, and he shines brightest here. His goofy antics are surpassed however by the warm moments he shares with Verona. Maya Rudolph also did a superb job as Verona, who is the ying to Burt's yang. Best known for comedy, Rudolph is able to step back into a more serious character and show that she has some serious dramatic chops.
The supporting cast also did a stellar job. They include hilarious performances from Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhhal and Allison Janney.
If there is one problem, it is probably the first act of the movie. Though it has some humorous sections, sometimes things are a bit awkward or even a bit too silly for comfort. The film works best when it works as a drama with comedic elements in the dialogue or situations. After the first twenty minutes, the film really warms up and you can't help but enjoy yourself.
Overall, this film is fantastic. In a summer where giant robots rule the silver screen, it is great to just see a passionate character film. What it lacks in huge special effects and computer generated robots, it makes up for in heart.
"Away We Go" is playing now in limited release.
"Away We Go" follows the story of Burt Farland (John Krasinski) and his girlfriend Verona (Maya Rudolph) as they discover they are going to have a child. After Burt's parents tell the couple that they are moving to Germany for two years, Burt and Verona realize there is no reason to stay where they are and decide to find the perfect place to raise their child. They also need to face the heavy reality that they are going to be parents, and maybe they are not as prepared as they would like.
The couple find themselves traveling across the country visiting friends and family hoping to find the perfect location. Along the way they find some interesting people that both help them discover where they don't want to live and also that the best way to raise a child is their own way.
Personally, this is my favorite Sam Mendes movie since "American Beauty." It is also a completely different kind of movie so don't expect many similarities. It also is a complete turn around from his past features "Revolutionary Road," "Jarhead" and "Road to Perdition." Mendes put Burt and Verona in some of the most awkward and hilarious situations but still manages to capture a tender romance between them that is offbeat but still extremely endearing. Mendes also did a fantastic job at giving a great personality and atmosphere to each of the different locations that Burt and Verona go to. Each place really spices up the movie.
The cast did an amazing job with their respective roles. John Krasinski plays the goofy, slightly clueless, but overall loveable Burt Farland. "Away We Go" is the perfect opportunity for Krasinski to really shine as an actor. Besides his character Jim Halpert on "The Office" and his role in "Leatherheads." Krasinski has not really had a chance to show his real potential, and he shines brightest here. His goofy antics are surpassed however by the warm moments he shares with Verona. Maya Rudolph also did a superb job as Verona, who is the ying to Burt's yang. Best known for comedy, Rudolph is able to step back into a more serious character and show that she has some serious dramatic chops.
The supporting cast also did a stellar job. They include hilarious performances from Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhhal and Allison Janney.
If there is one problem, it is probably the first act of the movie. Though it has some humorous sections, sometimes things are a bit awkward or even a bit too silly for comfort. The film works best when it works as a drama with comedic elements in the dialogue or situations. After the first twenty minutes, the film really warms up and you can't help but enjoy yourself.
Overall, this film is fantastic. In a summer where giant robots rule the silver screen, it is great to just see a passionate character film. What it lacks in huge special effects and computer generated robots, it makes up for in heart.
"Away We Go" is playing now in limited release.
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