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'Away We Go' is the perfect anti-blockbuster
Published online on Friday, Jun. 26, 2009
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"Away We Go" is like a perfect glass of lemonade on a hot summer day: It’s sweet enough to satisfy and just tart enough to enjoy. This light romantic comedy is the best work by director Sam Mendes since his “American Beauty.”
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph play thirtysomething couple Burt and Verona who are three months away from parenthood. The pregnancy creates concerns they’re not ready for the big change in their life so they go on a cross-country trip to find the perfect place to live.
They visit family and friends the couple think have perfect lives, leading them to Phoenix, Tucson, Madison, Miami and Montreal. Krasinski, who had to suffer through another couples crisis movie with “License to Wed,” and Rudolph come across as a real couple, especially in their conversations. They don’t use perfect quips to deal with fears. They reluctantly embrace honest truths about how life can’t be planned.
A few more characters like this and Krasinski can lay claim to the everyman role Tom Hanks has played so well. The big surprise is Rudolph, who makes a very clear statement she can handle drama.
Mendes shows great skill in getting his characters to their final realization. He takes Burt and Verona from one couple (Allison Janney and Jim Gaffigan) who are a crisis away from a complete mental breakdown to the brutally painfully realities of another (Chris Messina and Melanie Lynskey).
MOVIE REVIEW"Away We Go," rated R for language, sexual content. Stars John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Allison Janney, Chris Messina, Melanie Lynskey, Jim Gaffigan. Directed by Sam Mendes. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes. Grade: B+
Each couple offers a look at life that ranges from scary to heart-touching. Under a less competent hand, the sharp contrasts could’ve been self-destructive. Mendes knows just when to use humor to either accent or downplay a moment.
Aliens, robots and wizards are designed to bring heat to theaters this summer. If you prefer a sweet treat, then “Away We Go” is the answer.
TV and movie critic Rick Bentley can be reached at rbentley@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6355. Read his blog at fresnobeehive.com.
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