A Couple Journeys In Search of a New Home  

Sam Mendes directs this poignant film about a thirtysomething couple; Bert, John Krasinski (The, Office) and Veronica, Maya Rudolph (SNL cast) who are anticipating the birth of their first child. The duo receives some rather disheartening news as Burt's parents played by Jeff Daniels andCatherine O'Hara declare that not only are they are moving from Colorado they are moving to Belgium. Upon hearing this shocking news, the pair concludes that they now have no ties to Colorado and therefore are free to find a new home. They embark on an ambitious road trip to different cities to visit friends and family in order to make a concerted decision. 

“Away We Go,” follows a sensible and comical couple who are serious in their attempts to put down new roots. The audience is simply along for the ride. However, don’t be surprised if you begin evaluating each family member and city right along with them. You can’t help it as you’ll want the best for this couple; trust me they’re just too endearing not to care! And...what a cool concept for a movie, particularly if you are fond of the two leading characters. Maya Rudolph is an unbelievably talented actress and has been a mainstay on SNL from 2000 to 2009, boasting 137 episodes. John Krasinski has been on the hit TV show ‘The Office’ 91 episodes from 2005-2009. Both are fantastic in their own right!

What’s so special about “Away We Go”? Well, for starters, this film does so many things right. It draws you in and invites you to go along with the couple on their journey. It sets a wonderful mood and tone by the addition of the soothing musical scores that accompanies it. Sam Mendes’s directing is slow and deliberate. The actors pause, reflect and react. It’s truly a beautiful film to watch. Make no mistake; these are huge issues for any couple to deal with. Where to live and raise a family is one of the biggest decisions couples face. The important aspect of this film is that the characters are developed to the extent that we do care. Insecurities are brought to the fore front and dealt with. When leaving the film my staff member Jessica said to me, “I wanted more; I didn’t want the film to end.” That’s my benchmark for a good film.

The road trip is an eye-opener for the couple as not only do they discover individual qualities and beliefs about themselves they begin to re-affirm the love they have for each other. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an emotional ride. First stop is sunny Phoenix, where the travelers spend a day at the dog races with Rudolph’s former colleague Lily, Allison Janney (Juno Mom) and her husband Lowell (Jim Gaffigan). Whew, after spending 5 minutes with these two winners you’ll want to run to the airport. Next stop is Tucson, to visit to the lovely and charming sister of Verona (Carmen Ejogo). This relationship is so special because they are both parentless and cling to each other for a grounded sense of family.

The wacky cousin Ellen on Burt’s side is the next stop on the agenda, who now goes simply by LN (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and her partner Roderick (Josh Hamilton) in Wisconsin. Talk about wacky; this couple is so far out they border on insanity. By this time, the couple is literally running and it’s off to Montreal. The story continues in this vain and finally settles in Miami.

Both of the main actors make this film memorable. They have chemistry and wonderful screen presence. I too, didn’t want the film to end.

Sarah Adamson © 2009