Review: Away We Go

So, I finally made it to the theatre this weekend...and to see a movie I've been looking forward to for quite a while, none the less.  Away We Go tells of an expectant couple, Verona and Burt (Maya Rudolph and Jon Krasinski), who travel across North America in hopes of finding a good home to raise their daughter.  Ideally, they are seeking a place where they will be surrounded by friends and family.  Unfortunately, all prospective contacts are in some way severely flawed:  Burt's parents are immature, materialistic fools; Verona's friend Lily has turned into a loud-mouthed redneck; their friends from college are dejected and pitiable due to multiple miscarriages; Burt's cousin LN and her husband are loopy New Age ninnies; Burt's brother is heartbroken due to his wife walking out him and his daughter.  All represent possible futures for Verona and Burt.  None are remotely appealing.

Generally, I really like movies like Away We Go.  I enjoy artsy films with colourful characters and mellow, off-beat soundtracks.  That said, I was a tad disappointed in this movie.  Sure, it's unpredictable and fun to watch (you never know what kind of pathetic loser you're going to be introduced to next).  There's just something about the overly-emphasized awfulness of the supporting characters that misses its mark.  This attention to caricatures worked for Sam Mendes in American Beauty, but comes very close to falling flat here - possibly due to the fact that many of them have absolutely no redeemable qualities.  Either way, the film could have benefited from a little subtly on the repulsive supporting character front.

That said, Verona and Burt themselves are extremely likable characters.  As they are a pair of not-so-successful thirtysomethings, it's pretty much impossible to hate them for appearing too perfect next to their pathetic social network.  I left the theatre with a huge crush on Jon Krasinski - possibly because his character reminded me so much of my husband I just had to give him (Steve) a great big kiss when the movie was over and hold his hand all the way home.  Parts of Away We Go (i.e. the parts with only Verona and Burt) are heart-warming without seeming cheesy.  I suppose the awful experiences the couple has with their friends and family do succeed in producing this effect.  However, I still think this could have been done just as poignantly turned down a few notches.  Anyway, the movie is certainly worth seeing if, like me, you enjoy quirky artsy films.