*** Stars
Sam Mendes is a wonderful director. Last year, he crafted one of the strongest films of the decade with Revolutionary Road. Now before Away We Go, Sam Mendes was busting out films every three years. Only six months after his underrated 2008 masterpiece, Mendes hits the road with the absolutely delightful Away We Go, a small film that swiftly breezes through its simple premise.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are an unlikely duo, yet their different acting backgrounds and original personalities fit nicely as a unmarried couple dealing with married issues. Krasinski (of The Office fame) plays Burt, a simple man with a pregnant girlfriend. Rudolph (from SNL) plays Verona, a pregnant woman with a simple boyfriend. Verona refuses to get married, but promises Burt she will never leave him. Burt and Verona are very good people, but their lives seem to be taking a direction they didn't plan. When Verona is six months pregnant and Burt wonders about his future career, they decide to hit the road and start over before their "real life" begins.
Away We Go is a life story caught in between reality and surrealism. You know, that stage in life where society needs you to know what you want to do in life, but you're not ready to cave in. That's what makes this film a lovely escape. We see two good people dealing with things anyone can relate to. Mendes isn't trying too hard here, and while it may come off as lazy to some, others will appreciate the simplicity of its message. These are real people in real situations. And while it may be hard to believe that this film is an escape from "real life," just know that you will smile from beginning to end with characters consistently giving reasons to be loved.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are an unlikely duo, yet their different acting backgrounds and original personalities fit nicely as a unmarried couple dealing with married issues. Krasinski (of The Office fame) plays Burt, a simple man with a pregnant girlfriend. Rudolph (from SNL) plays Verona, a pregnant woman with a simple boyfriend. Verona refuses to get married, but promises Burt she will never leave him. Burt and Verona are very good people, but their lives seem to be taking a direction they didn't plan. When Verona is six months pregnant and Burt wonders about his future career, they decide to hit the road and start over before their "real life" begins.
Away We Go is a life story caught in between reality and surrealism. You know, that stage in life where society needs you to know what you want to do in life, but you're not ready to cave in. That's what makes this film a lovely escape. We see two good people dealing with things anyone can relate to. Mendes isn't trying too hard here, and while it may come off as lazy to some, others will appreciate the simplicity of its message. These are real people in real situations. And while it may be hard to believe that this film is an escape from "real life," just know that you will smile from beginning to end with characters consistently giving reasons to be loved.
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