Away they go…
Burt (John Kransinski of “The Office”) and Veroan (Maya Rudolph of “Saturday Night Live”) a longtime couple who discover in a comical opening scene she is pregnant. With a baby on the way Burt’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Farlander (Jeff Daniels & Catherine O’Hara) deciding to move to Belgium, they no longer have and ties to their current home. The parents-to-be decide to travel across the country visiting friends and family in hopes of finding the perfect atmosphere to raise their daughter.
Along their heart mapped journey they visit Phoenix, Tucson, Madison, Montreal, and Miami introducing some very diverse characters. In Phoenix, Burt and Verona visit an old coworker of Veronas, played by Allison Janney, a wildly crazed and insanely inappropriate mother. In Madison, we are introduced ton LN (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the new aged hippie who is absolutely hilarious in a very off way. In Montreal, Burt and Verona visit with two old classmates, Tom (Chris Massina) and Munch (Melanie Lynsky) who are wonderful parents with a hoard of adopted children who can’t quite take the place of the ones they are unable to have. Throughout their soul searching journey they hope to choose the perfect place, with the perfect combination of character and tenderness to raise their daughter.
A perfect combo
This wonderfully directed film had the perfect combination of comedy and heartfelt warmth by the writers and actors alike.
There could not have been a better cast chosen for the film. John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph had a very comfortable charming chemistry. They played off of each other very well adding comedy and a sense of utter devotion to each other. The variety of characters and cast was phenomenal. They were very complimenting to each other. The various directions they were able to go really allowed the audience to connect with the film.
At times the flow of the film did become a little slower and more serious. The film starts off comically and the comical feel drops off later in the movie becoming more about the trial, errors, and a longing search for the right path in life to travel. The dialog between Burt and Verona is very unique, like they speak their own language. It’s witty and full of love and understanding.
Maggie Gyllenhaal couldn’t have been better playing the role of new aged hippie mother LN. This character was my favorite! Her takes on the “sea horse” and “stroller” were priceless. The film was brilliant and very cleverly written.
Extra features
-My Scene Bookmarking
-Feature Commentary with Director Sam Mendes and Writer’s Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida
-The Making of Away We Go
-Green Filmmaking (Not only making a spectacular film, but keeping our environment beautiful and livable)