AWAY WE GO 3.0***



“Away We Go” is Sam Mendes' warmest film to date. This one takes on a tone of humor and lightness that none of his other works approached (“American Beauty” and “Revolutionary Road”). Burt (The Office's John Krasinsky) and Verona (SNL's Maya Rudolph) are a young thirtyish couple expecting their first child. They live in a ramshackle trailer in Colorado near where Burt's parents (Jeff Daniels and Catherine O' Hara) live. But they decide to leave when his parents decide to move to Belgium for a couple years, despite hearing the news of their forthcoming grandchild. The couple embarks on a journey to reunite with family and old friends and to see where is the best place to raise their unborn daughter. These are people they think could help them jumpstart their new life … people they already know or think they know. This is a fascinating tale about two nice, caring people who love each other but have no ties to anywhere With each stop in the journey, through each encounter, they are surprised by what and whom they find…some of the encounters are sad, some outrageous, some funny…but they all serve to deepen their relationship.

There is some great chemistry between Krasinsky and Rudolph . He has a goofy charm but he also makes Burt a loveably doting and comforting boyfriend for Verona, no matter what. And Rudolph is a big surprise here as she turns in a performance of maturity, vulnerability, and depth. And then there is the rest of the cast which is outstanding… the aforementioned Daniels and O' Hara…plus, among others, Jim Gaffigan and Allison Janney; Josh Hamilton and Maggie Gyllenhaal; Paul Schneider… all of whom provide the sizzle for vignettes that play out in the stops along the way..

The direction is solid and the writing is sharp, funny and thought-provoking . It's got an infectious vibe to it, and while it may ride the Juno/Little Miss Sunshine/ wave a little too much, it still is a pleasurable and effective indie rom-com. You'll enjoy going along with Verona and Burt on their journey, and after the last surprise stop, you'll leave with a smile on your face, feeling like you're glad you got to know them.

Clark