REVIEW: Away We Go

Away We Go

Directed by Sam Mendes

Written by Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida

Starring:

John Krasinski

Maya Rudolph

Rated R for Language and Some Sexual Content

IMDb Page : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1176740/

I just so happened to have another experience this summer similar to the one I had after seeing "(500) Days of Summer," and that was with Sam Mendes' new dark comedy, "Away We Go". As I left the theatre, I quietly reflected on the superb quality of what I had just seen, and was somewhat at as loss for words, something that doesn't happen to me very often. In a summer full of Transformers, wizards, and ultra-violent Nazi-hunters (Don't take this the wrong way, I am completely stoked for "Inglorious Basterds"), here is a movie that proves you don't need massive amounts of CGI, you don't need a multi-million dollar budget, you don't even need big names to have a fantastic film. While John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are in no respects unknowns, they admittedly don't have the same pull to mainstream audiences as Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, or Megan Fox's breasts. But I almost prefer it this way, because the independent film circuit is turning out consistently more movies that I would consider "Good" than any large major studio, especially 20th Century Fox, because directors are being allowed to make the movies they want to make. Looking back a mere 10 years, independent films were seen as something to attract snobby film "experts" whose heads were swollen with self-importance, constantly wreathed in unfiltered cigarette smoke and topped with berets; and now the independent scene (thanks to high-caliber movies and constant Oscar attention) is something more widely embraced, even though the work may still be confusing or frustrating to some.

"Away We Go" is not one of those movies though; it is hilarious, easy to digest, and wonderfully original. Penned by Dave Eggers (who adapted "Where the Wild Things Are" for the upcoming Spike Jonze film, and authored the book "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" - something I would highly recommend to all my readers) and Vendela Vida, "Away We Go" tells the story of a young couple, Burt Farlander (Krasinski) and Verona De Tessant (Rudolph), who discover that they're pregnant. The elated couple proceeds to tell Burt's parents about their rapidly approaching days as grandparents, only to learn that Gloria and Jerry Farlander are moving to Belgium. Burt and Verona decide that they have no reason left to remain living where they do, and begin visiting family and friends across the country to try and find the ideal place to raise a family. Along the way, the couple experiences glimpses of troubled married and family life, and begin to learn vicariously the things they should and shouldn't do as parents. The outcome is howlingly funny and beautifully tragic all in one. The cast is also dotted with other well-known names, including Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, all who deliver wonderful performances that frame the main relationship between Burt and Verona perfectly. And one little boy with copious amounts of knowledge, whose character name I believe is Beckett, steals his scene with one of the most unexpected and critically funny lines I have ever seen in a movie, and it would be a shame to not recognize him.

In the fashion of a dark, R-rated comedy, "Away We Go" tackles some heavy subject matter, but does so in such an engaging and enjoyable way, that it seems more genuine and affects the audience in a much more personal way. I am a great believer in the power of comedy, as a healer or an amusement, but also as a forum for deeper discussion. I know that a lot of professional critics who reviewed the movie, complained about the blending of comedic and somber tones throughout the movie, but this is something that I really appreciated from Sam Mendes. Mendes has diverted away from the depressing saga that was his Oscar bid of last year, "Revolutionary Road," a movie that was incredibly melancholy and didn't pretend to be anything else, and instead has created a poignant piece that delivers its message without shoving it down your throat and telling you how to feel.

The movie is accompanied by an excellent score, written by Alexi Murdoch, (This is another soundtrack that found its way into my music library within hours of my leaving the theater), and beautifully shot by Ellen Kuras, who proves that women have a right to be behind the camera just as much as men do. The simple feel and look for the movie allows for a relaxing viewing experience that is more reminiscent of home movies rather than professional grade cinema. Despite mixed reviews from critics, I highly recommend that you take the time to see this film, and spread the word to others. The film did well enough in its limited release, that it was given a nationwide tour, something that can only happen if people are willing to take a chance and see something different. I think they'll be pleasantly surprised.

Away We Go is now in theaters nationwide.

My Review: A