Away We Go
Sam Mendes adds to his interesting catalogue of films with a project that shares more than a few traits with independent film. Away We Go written by husband-and-wife team Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida tells a simple story of a couple trying to find their place in the world and by so doing touch on a number of universal themes.
Mendes has stepped back from using marquee name actors and has assembled a cast that so immerse themselves in their prospective roles, it has that great effect where all you see is their characterization. There is no baggage like what often happens when casting actors who live in the public eye. These are very finely nuanced portrayals and the film is much stronger for this approach.
Saturday Night Live alumni Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski (The Office) play the two leads and as expected coming from a comic background get the timing just right. This film isn’t intended to be an over the top comedy and most of the laughs are internal but this does have the effect of leaving you with a smile on your face the entire time.
During a season where bigger is often perceived as better, Away We Go stands out in forging its own way through the holiday film consommé. It’s a small film with a big heart and deserves a holiday audience interested in more than just big bangs in air-conditioned comfort. Rob Hudson www.filminfocus.com
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