98) Away We Go
Director: Sam Mendes
Year: 2009
Plot Summary: A couple who is expecting their first child travel around the U.S. in order to find a perfect place to start their family.
After the harrowing and heartbreaking Revolutionary Road, Sam Mendes followed it up with a movie entirely on the opposite end of the spectrum: Away We Go. Touching, funny and as sweet as a two-dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts, it's a very enjoyable watch that never requires you to use your brain and will leave you with a a huge smile on your face.Dave Eggers and Vendela Vido co-wrote the script that sees Burt and Verona travel across America looking for a home while they expect their first born child. As they travel from coast to coast they learn lessons about what makes a family and a home through various encounters with an assortment of old friends and relatives.
These encounters remain engaging because of the pair's strong, sharp writing and, even more, the performances by the whole cast. Most impressive, of course, are the two leads: John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph. It's impossible to think of any other two performers who could pull of these protagonists better than these two. Their comic timing, warmth and chemistry is so perfect that it makes Away We Go such an entertaining and watchable comedy.
One thing I was very impressed with, furthermore, is how unconventional the character development is in Away We Go. At no point does Burt become scared of his impending fatherhood, nor does Maya question the relationship in the way that characters in Knocked Up, Juno, etc. all do. Their biggest issues revolve around Burt being worried about Maya's breasts shrinking and the only resemblance of an argument between the two comes from Burt talking too loud. Instead, we see an honest and ordinary couple who are simply preparing for the life ahead and, seeing that in itself, is heartwarming.
Sam Mendes' direction is also as excellent as it always is and it seems that the Oscar winner is unable to do wrong. Every shot is gorgeously framed regardless of how brief it is and every scene is so wonderfully composed. Alexi Murdoch's warm and simple acoustic music is also impressive, complementing the entire tone of the picture perfectly.
Unfortunately, on a second watch, because there's so little character or plot development, it's not quite as enjoyable a movie and there are some gaping plot holes that let down the story. Nevertheless, if you want something that, for 90 minutes, will make you smile and laugh, it'll meet your expectations and more.
3/5
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