MOVIE REVIEW - Away We Go

One of the good things about reviewing movies is when you find a real unexpected gem of a movie. That's Away We Go.

I walked into this Sam Mendes directed flick knowing virtually nothing about it, and came out with a great review. Up front, this is an adult piece and is totally inappropriate for minor children. Not that they would be the slightest bit interested in Away We Go anyway.

It's the story of Burt (John Krasinski, and Verona (Maya Rudolph). They are very much in love, underachieving thirty-four year - olds who have been dating, and living together forever. They consider themselves "screw-ups" and suddenly find themselves pregnant, unplanned. With no real attachments in the world, they set out on a cross-country journey to find the perfect place to raise their unborn child. They try Phoenix, Tucson, Montreal, Madison, and Miami.

In each of these stops, they know someone to a degree, and hook up with them after not seeing them for a while. The cast of idiots they encounter all have their ownsproblems, and life story to tell. Through them, Burt and Verona discover what they don't want for themselves, or their baby, You don't see many "life lesson" movies that are really entertaining, but Away We Go certainly is.

This gem is not for everyone. It is a quirky piece, that many times over isn't for the once a year movie goer. Krasinsky, and Rudolph are terrific as our likeable, goofy couple dealing with big changes in their lives. There is also a wonderful supporting cast with Catherine O'Hara, Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Allison Janney. Janney is fantastic in her small role as one of the crazy fools they meet along the way, and is almost worth the ticket price alone. Toss in a small, simple quirky soundtrack and you have a real fun time at the movies.

Away We Go is NOT for everyone. There are a few moments of real discomfort here, and the subject matter can be a straightforward at times. But, Away We Go, made me laugh out loud at times, and really think at other times. This is one of the big. pleasant surprises of the year.

Away We Go. For adults only. Quirky, awkward, strange, fun at the movies. Very well done! A real nice break from the big blockbusters and cartoons for adults.