It seems like all directors are taking the Indie road. Yes, Sam Mendes is next to follow.
Buoyed by the news that they are expecting their first baby, Burt (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph) embark on a journey to locate the perfect place on the planet to raise their child. But their quest inevitably yields many unexpected surprises.
Director Sam Mendes has always been known to make films about family dynamics (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road), but instead of depressing the crap out of us, like those other 2, he brings out a happier, lighter tone.
The screenplay here isn’t written by Mendes, instead is written by real-life couple, Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. This was a very good idea, cause we can see how real people, in love talk to one another about passion for each other, parenthood, and most of all, life itself. Its also very well-written when it comes to the heart-warming comedy. There are set of quirks that feel genuine, and it makes you think that life isn’t always so god damn serious, there are actually the funny moments that happen. When I mean funny, I sure as hell do mean funny, I was on the floor laughing half of the time, but its not offensive, it’s more of a sweet type of humor.
I had a big problem with this movie, and I think many others that I knew did too. The movie was speaking more towards ages 30 and over, who are expecting children, and to be a good parent, and that didn’t really connect to me. I mean I’m 17 years old, and I have millions of children all over the world (PIMP), so this didn’t really stick out to me quite as well. Also, I had a problem with the film being a little bit too “indie”. The obvious acoustic folk songs, added with the scruffy people looking into space, made me feel like I’ve seen this movie before, but it seems like this is how most directors get their material to work.
The acting in this film, is what really stands out. I was expecting John Krasinski to just be Jim from The Office the whole time, you know “Jim”. However, he does create a likable, goofy character that we enjoy watching on screen. Maya Rudolph is even better here, showing that she just isn’t another SNL alumni trying to make it big, she actually can show a lot of emotion. They look and feel like a married couple (even though their not), and it adds a lot more to the charming appeal that the film is going for. The quirk is obvious when you see the witty side of supporting cast members who are all funny such as Catherine O’Hara, Allison Janney, Jeff Daniels, and the best, Maggie Gyllenhaal. She’s funny even though crazy, and weird, creating the most unlikable kind of people, rich hippies, thought I’d never say that in my life.
Consensus: Away We Go may kind of get stuck trying to relate to one certain group, with obvious quirks, but is an overall charming, likable experience, that shows the true hard-ships of parenting, as well as the humor, with good performances.
9/10=Full Pricee!!!
Dan the Man's Movie Reviews 
The obvious Juno style poster art and the mention of indie-folk makes me not want to see this. I might give it a shot at some point though if I’m out of stuff to watch.
Trust me, it bears a lot of similarities, but when it’s over, its a trip you wish you were there for.
I really liked this and I don’t know if it was the ultra quirky John Krasinski or the bit with the little kid Beckett (and his baby monologue) that sent me over the edge but I had a blast watching this.
If the movie wasn’t touching enough (and in some scenes shocking) the song used at the end aided in that perfect finale. Well done Mendes!
Yeah, he brought a lot to the table. Great song at the end too!
I must admit, I got dragged to this one kicking and screaming. Sounded a little too sentimental for my liking but I was pleasantly surprised. Krasinski and Rudolph are very likable and they have great chemistry which made their relationship believable. I am surprised how much I enjoyed this one. And the ending…perfect.
Many things with this is just perfect, and it actually does show a lot of the harsh realities of parenting.
It’s actually very mature and so not quirky in that obnoxious Juno way.
I liked this one quite a lot and Maya Rudolph’s performance is a thing of beauty.
She is very good here. Who ever knew she could act?
So as it happens, I’m one of those “thirty-and-over” people the movie was speaking to, even though I’m not on the parenting road quite yet.
What drew me in was the relationship between Burt and Verona, since they both seemed to be searching for answers and afraid…but they never turned on each other through it as some less patient couples often do.
That kind of understanding is rare these days. It actually made me want to be a better husband!
You’re right btw, any comparisons to JUNO are unfounded. This is a completely different story and the two have nothing in common.
Great post – Glad to see I wasn’t the only one who dug it!