Away We Go

Away We Go

A script about love at its deepest level, a script about a bond between two people that has survived through trials and tribulations, makes a heart-felt and surprisingly funny piece of cinema. In case you didn't read the title, this film is Away We Go by director Sam Mendes. The film focuses on the relationship between a boyfriend and girlfriend named Verona De Tessant (Maya Rudolph) and Burt Farlander (John Krasinski). While performing oral sex on his girlfriend, Burt notices that his wife "tastes different" which he thinks could be a sign of her being pregnant. After a short period of reflection of their lives thus far, they decide to travel to Burt's parents home, who are named Gloria (Catherine O' Hara) and Jerry (Jeff Daniels), to inform of them of the news. Upon receiving this news, Burt's parents inform them that they are moving to Belgium for two years a month before the baby is due. Angered at his parent's selfishness, they decide that they have no need to stay where they're living because they'll have no family left in the area. They decide to travel to a number of places to find the perfect spot to raise their child. The film continues to follow them on a very emotional and oddly humorous journey on their travels around the country. The incredible relationship between Verona and Burt that unfolds during the film is a joy to watch develop, and it becomes very realistic because of the emotional ups and downs that they experience. The dialogue of the film also shines as a point in the movie which delivers both meaning and humor at just the right times.

Burt and Verona are a couple that's about as un-Hollywood as they come; the couple is dysfunctional yet loving and always keeps a genuine connection between the two. Despite the fact that they are not married, they come across onscreen like an elderly couple that's been happily married for sixty years. This is due in large part to the great chemistry which the two lead actors share, and it would seems surprising to me if these two had not developed some kind of lasting friendship after making this film. Although this has been said time and time again, the two actors create a relationship onscreen that is very believable and authentic. The homely yet attractive Maya Rudolph plays the role of a confused but confident mother-to-be that never doubts her love for her boyfriend. John Krasinski, on the other hand, plays the quiet but somehow outspoken husband that would do literally anything to make his wife and unborn child happy. While this may sound very Hollywood, it is anything but, the relationship is anything but perfect and the couple experiences crises that no normal Hollywood couple would ever face. Considering that, the husband/wife team of Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida wrote these roles, this comes as no surprise to this reviewer, because in my opinion the only people that can write about true love are the ones that are in it themselves.

The brilliant dialogue shared between the two lead actors is top-notch all the way through. The two banter back and forth, never missing a beat or a chance to make a quick joke along the way. Never mean and always caring, the writing in this film sets a standard (in my inexperienced opinion) for other films to follow. While some films become cheesy while trying to be emotional, this one avoids all of the clichés (i.e. the meeting and kiss in the rain) and goes straight for the metaphorical "emotional-gut" of the viewer. The quick quips, and comforting monologues, by both of the actors are wonderfully-crafted and spoken at the perfect moments. This is one film that I don’t think will got an Oscar Nom but certainly deserves it in my book.

So, while this motion picture may be flawed in a few ways (which I can't personally recall), the movie manages to come out swinging and deliver solid performances and a powerful script that will leave the viewer pondering many of life's great questions. I know that I was personally touched by this film on multiple levels and as I walked out of the theater and even went to bed that night, I was left reflecting on my own life and future (even though I'm 15 y/o). And not many films can make a cynical and stubborn teenager do that.

The Verdict: 8/10-Damn Good (on a scale from 1 being the worst and 10 being the best)