Directed by: Jason Ponsoldt
Written by: Scott
Neustadter and Michael H. Weber
Based on the novel by Tim Tharp
Based on the novel by Tim Tharp
Released Date: August
2nd, 2013
Review by: Sean
Kayden
As we’ve endured a plentiful amount
of effects-laden blockbusters this summer season, it’s utterly refreshing to
come across a small film that possesses real special effects, beautiful acting
and superb storytelling. In the film, “The Spectacular Now,” writers Scott
Neustadter and Michael H. Weber crafted a joyously heartfelt, wryly humorous,
endearingly sweet coming of age tale that embodies the teenage human spirit. Director
James Ponsoldt, who’s coming off his critically acclaimed 2012 Sundance hit
“Smashed,” once again brings a deep sensitivity to the film. “The Spectacular
Now” on the surface appears to be another coming of age, puppy love story, but
it’s so much deeper than merely just that. In fact, it tackles a considerably
darker theme that enfolds greatly in the third act. The film is a rare
depiction on screen of two 18 year-old high school seniors that look and feel
like real human beings. Sutter and Aimee’s relationship doesn’t seem
manufactured. The mistakes they make feel authentic and they’re hell of a lot
more confident on the outside than on the inside.
The charming and self-possessed Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) lives in the now. He’s the life of every party and rarely takes anything seriously. This also may contribute to the fact that he’s always loaded. Sutter’s either drinking out of his flask or a big gulp cup mixed with hard alcohol. He isn’t a mean alcoholic, but a guy always looking to have a good time. When his girlfriend, Cassidy (the luminous Brie Larson) breaks things off, Sutter gets wasted and wakes up the following morning in the front yard of Aimee Finecky’s (the effervescent Shailene Woodley) house. Aimee is a typical nice girl. She’s intelligent, innocent, and different. Aimee has grand dreams of the future, and Sutter lives in a delusional fantasy known as the spectacular now. However, somehow, they’re drawn together. As their relationship begins to bloom, at first as a deep friendship than more so as it continues on, Aimee falls hard for Sutter. When we get into the third act, Sutter seeks out his estranged father played by the terrific Kyle Chandler. Sutter sees a spitting image of himself within his dad. This realization greatly haunts him. Without getting to deep in rehashing the story, I must say that both the writing and acting are top notch. Miles Teller is a star in the making. This breakout performance is one of the best of the year. Shailene Woodley is equally as good. Both actors are destined for a bright future.
The charming and self-possessed Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) lives in the now. He’s the life of every party and rarely takes anything seriously. This also may contribute to the fact that he’s always loaded. Sutter’s either drinking out of his flask or a big gulp cup mixed with hard alcohol. He isn’t a mean alcoholic, but a guy always looking to have a good time. When his girlfriend, Cassidy (the luminous Brie Larson) breaks things off, Sutter gets wasted and wakes up the following morning in the front yard of Aimee Finecky’s (the effervescent Shailene Woodley) house. Aimee is a typical nice girl. She’s intelligent, innocent, and different. Aimee has grand dreams of the future, and Sutter lives in a delusional fantasy known as the spectacular now. However, somehow, they’re drawn together. As their relationship begins to bloom, at first as a deep friendship than more so as it continues on, Aimee falls hard for Sutter. When we get into the third act, Sutter seeks out his estranged father played by the terrific Kyle Chandler. Sutter sees a spitting image of himself within his dad. This realization greatly haunts him. Without getting to deep in rehashing the story, I must say that both the writing and acting are top notch. Miles Teller is a star in the making. This breakout performance is one of the best of the year. Shailene Woodley is equally as good. Both actors are destined for a bright future.
“The Spectacular Now” just does everything right. The characters in the movie feel like people you and I would know. There are no false moves here. Nothing seems forced or modified. The story unfolds naturally and there’s so much beauty on display. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia or any artificial beats. This is a truly stunning portrait of what it’s like to be the youngest you’ll ever be. When you’re on the cusp of a new chapter in life, filled with both promise and uncertainty. “The Spectacular Now” will have you remembering what it was like to be young, free, and carrying much needed momentum. It also reassures you that all that can be gone in a heartbeat. Wherever you are in life, don’t forget that living in the now will prepare you in living for tomorrow, for better or worse that is.
Grade: 5 out of 5
Published by Mountain Views News on August 17th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n33/p15.htm
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n33/p15.htm
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