review by Lee Curtis Pro
Away We Go 2009
Watched Aug 07, 2012
Lee Curtis’s review:
Regardless of directorial experience, particularly with meaningful and often dark features, Sam Mendes’ 2009 romantic comedy is very different. Little known lead actors, limited cinema release and a modest budget, Away We Go has all the look and feel of an indie film.
The central narrative is simple and formulaic, making it easy for focus to drift. However, if you give it the attention it deserves there are plenty of interesting characters interjected in order to keep it refreshing. This is where the support cast really shine – Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jim Gaffigan, among others, provide thoroughly entertaining performances. Their sub-narratives provide the structure for the episodic narrative as they each provide an amalgam of different lives, focussing on the unique chemistry two people can share.
Much like other films of this ilk, Little Miss Sunshine being the most comparable, the comedy is centred on awkwardness and embarrassment, and this is where it excels. But, what’s really exciting is that even though he’s a director with years of experience and bags of acclaim, Mendes’ can cast all that aside and make something he really wants to make.
Did you hear what the little kid said about the baby? A lot of people don't catch it I found it hilarious.
Yes I did! It's hilarious, that's become one of my all time favourite pieces of dialogue. This film was modestly hilarious.
Cool the first time I saw it I had to rewind it to make sure he said what I thought he said and I almost died laughing.
Haha, it comes out of nowhere, the kid delivers it with such deadpan too.
I know it's good stuff.
"However, if you give it the attention it deserves there are plenty of interesting characters interjected in order to keep it refreshing." Was this a personal dig? haha ;)
"A personal dig" is a bit strong, wasn't intended as that, just a hint that I think you should give it another go. I thought it would be right up your street.
Haha, perhaps I should give it another go - especially as a big Mendes fan. I just remember being so psyched for this to start on Film4, only to find my mind drifting off the narrative.
Great review. I really liked this one. There are faults, the quest narrative is pretty predictable and, as you say, formulaic, but I thought there was some real good emotional honesty there. And you're right - so much that makes this film work really is the cast. Melanie Lynskey and Allison Janney are the ones who still stand out in my memory.
Thanks Julie. Can only agree with you.