One to see: Away We Go (2009)
July 22nd 2010 03:35
Every now and then you'll discover a film that isn't a standout by any means, but which leaves you in a better place than where you were less than two hours before. Away We Go is one of these films. Directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition), the film is quirky and sentimental without being overdone. Its lead characters are instantly likable and believable ("real" would be an appropriate word to describe them) and there are some genuinely funny moments, both situational and brought on by the film's sharp - and occasionally caustic - dialogue.
The story follows a couple in their thirties, Burt and Verona, as they travel around the USA looking for the ideal place to start their family. Pregnant Verona (Maya Rudolph) is an artist, clever with an element of sadness to her personality, while Burt (John Krasinski) is an eternal dreamer working as an insurance salesman.
When the pair discover that Burt's parents - and the only family they have in their area - are planning to relocate to Belgium a month before their granddaughter is due to be born, they realize that they now have very little connection to their current town and seize the opportunity to find a better life elsewhere.
And so begins a cross country journey to visit a motley crew of friends, relatives and former co-workers. To say that "zaniness ensues" would be a serious cliche... but naturally, it does! The diverse array of people, each with their idiosyncrasies, unique viewpoints and crosses to bear, all have their own opinions on how Burt and Verona should be living their lives. Eventually the pair do find what it is they are looking for - the closest approximation of "home" they can come up with, and while it's no happily ever after, I found the ending to be a satisfying one.
Away We Go is nicely shot and has a great soundtrack, but as with most character-driven films it's the acting that matters - and the cast of this movie does not disappoint. What I love about seeing actors who are talented but not known for seeking publicity is that they completely merge with their characters; you're not seeing a movie star but a well-rounded character brought to life on screen. As such you find yourself completely immersed in the story, which in my opinion, is how movies should be.
The issues faced by Burt and Verona are not necessarily the same as that which the viewer might face, but the emotions they feel and the way in which they deal with those issues will be familiar to many. Unlike some of the other characters in Away We Go, the pair is neither pretentious nor on the brink of despair. While they do experience moments of self doubt (and the knowledge that they are struggling financially), at their core Burt and Verona remain a very strong two-and-a-bit-person unit. It is this strength, and their steadfast love for one another, that ultimately sees them through what is - at times - a difficult and rather unpleasant journey.
Now I'm a big fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal so my viewpoint may be biased, but I found her performance in this film to be an absolute scene stealer. Her character of 'LN' is both complex and thoroughly unlikable, despite first impressions of a warm and open neo-hippie personality. The condescension of LN and her husband Roderick (played by Josh Hamilton) toward Burt and Verona proves too much for the couple, who abruptly leave the dinner party after Burt calls LN a "horrible person."
As would be expected, Away We Go received mixed reviews when it was first released, running the gamut of being called "Mendes' best film since American Beauty" to "a hapless and annoying episodic comedy." It's not for everyone, but if you can manage to identify with the lead characters' sense of disconnect with the world in which they live then you'll likely find this film to be an enjoyable one. For me it was the perfect DVD accompaniment to a quiet night in with my partner - pleasant and funny, with unexpected emotional depths that resulted in a sweetly satisfying movie experience.
The story follows a couple in their thirties, Burt and Verona, as they travel around the USA looking for the ideal place to start their family. Pregnant Verona (Maya Rudolph) is an artist, clever with an element of sadness to her personality, while Burt (John Krasinski) is an eternal dreamer working as an insurance salesman.
When the pair discover that Burt's parents - and the only family they have in their area - are planning to relocate to Belgium a month before their granddaughter is due to be born, they realize that they now have very little connection to their current town and seize the opportunity to find a better life elsewhere.
Lead characters Burt and Verona, played by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph
And so begins a cross country journey to visit a motley crew of friends, relatives and former co-workers. To say that "zaniness ensues" would be a serious cliche... but naturally, it does! The diverse array of people, each with their idiosyncrasies, unique viewpoints and crosses to bear, all have their own opinions on how Burt and Verona should be living their lives. Eventually the pair do find what it is they are looking for - the closest approximation of "home" they can come up with, and while it's no happily ever after, I found the ending to be a satisfying one.
Away We Go is nicely shot and has a great soundtrack, but as with most character-driven films it's the acting that matters - and the cast of this movie does not disappoint. What I love about seeing actors who are talented but not known for seeking publicity is that they completely merge with their characters; you're not seeing a movie star but a well-rounded character brought to life on screen. As such you find yourself completely immersed in the story, which in my opinion, is how movies should be.
Burt and Verona's love for one another is obvious from the get-go.
The issues faced by Burt and Verona are not necessarily the same as that which the viewer might face, but the emotions they feel and the way in which they deal with those issues will be familiar to many. Unlike some of the other characters in Away We Go, the pair is neither pretentious nor on the brink of despair. While they do experience moments of self doubt (and the knowledge that they are struggling financially), at their core Burt and Verona remain a very strong two-and-a-bit-person unit. It is this strength, and their steadfast love for one another, that ultimately sees them through what is - at times - a difficult and rather unpleasant journey.
Maggie Gyllenhaal as the wealthy, radical-minded and highly opinionated college professor 'LN'
Now I'm a big fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal so my viewpoint may be biased, but I found her performance in this film to be an absolute scene stealer. Her character of 'LN' is both complex and thoroughly unlikable, despite first impressions of a warm and open neo-hippie personality. The condescension of LN and her husband Roderick (played by Josh Hamilton) toward Burt and Verona proves too much for the couple, who abruptly leave the dinner party after Burt calls LN a "horrible person."
As would be expected, Away We Go received mixed reviews when it was first released, running the gamut of being called "Mendes' best film since American Beauty" to "a hapless and annoying episodic comedy." It's not for everyone, but if you can manage to identify with the lead characters' sense of disconnect with the world in which they live then you'll likely find this film to be an enjoyable one. For me it was the perfect DVD accompaniment to a quiet night in with my partner - pleasant and funny, with unexpected emotional depths that resulted in a sweetly satisfying movie experience.
A still from the final scene, in which Burt and Verona have finally found a place to call home.
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Comment by bloggingamerican
Blogging American
ZENtertainment
I am also a fan of Maggie so that is another reason to see it.
Thanks for the review!