The Spectacular Now

Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Dayo Okeniyi, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bob Odenkirk, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Directed by: James Ponsoldt
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
2013

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A reckless teen (Miles Teller) has his life altered when he befriends a nice, naive girl (Shailene Woodley), who is very different than his usual girlfriends.

Review:

Tim: What I liked most about The Spectacular Now is the film's unwillingness to be the conventional coming-of-age romantic dramedy. Sure, there are some elements present, but it never seeks to take the easy way out. The film seems determined to tell a story about real people, warts and all. If you're looking to escape reality and get caught up in a very Hollywood love story, this movie will probably disappoint you. If, instead, you're interested in a somewhat believable story grounded in realism, this movie will likely be right up your alley. I can't say this is a great movie, but it's a really good one.

This film accurately captures that fragile moment when we're on the verge of adulthood, but not quite there. The characters do things that are slightly illogical and stupid, but that's exactly how teenagers act. Looking back now that I'm an adult, I remember vividly that time of life when people acted like they do in this film- in what they think is their best interest. The characters in this film are young and don't have that vast array of experiences that adults use to make wise decisions. It was fascinating to watch this film about these two characters who are unconsciously acting in a way that aligns with their upbringing, even as they try to distance themselves from their parents and their parents' mistakes. It's a pretty fascinating look at the tumultuous teenage years.

The cast was quite good. I suspect Miles Teller will have a very long and successful Hollywood career. He has the sharp wit of a Vince Vaughn, the everyman appeal of a John Cusack, and the ability to do multiple genres like a Kevin Bacon. If the kid keeps his head on straight, there's no limit to his potential. He gives a good performance here- he's likeable, but misguided, a future alcoholic, and a bit reckless. And yet, despite the flaws, we identify with him. He was very good. Shailene Woodley continues to suggest she, too, is a future Hollywood star. I loved her stripped down performance. There's nothing glamorous about her in this film- she's a naive, sweet girl who undergoes vast changes because of the guy in her life. This happens to thousands of girls every single year, and it was a little hard to watch. In many ways, she becomes both better and worse as the film progresses- she's stronger and more confident, but she's also somewhat corrupted as well. It's a fascinating transformation, and Woodley does a great job bringing this to life. I thought they both had good chemistry together on screen.

The supporting cast is good. I really liked seeing Kyle Chandler here. Brie Larson gave a strong performance as well. Jennifer Jason Leigh felt mostly wasted. While the supporting players are good, this film is totally about Teller and Woodley.

The story is pretty interesting, as it touches on the myriad changes that happen when two people meet. Looking back, we can all think of certain individuals who came into our lives and left us fundamentally changed. This film does a good job of telling that story while not judging its characters. The characters are flawed and make mistakes, but the story never rushes to criticize them. It just allows them to be- like real life.

I really enjoyed The Spectacular Now and its mature way of looking at immature high school students. This film doesn't take the easy path and so it's not always easy to watch. It's a solid, realistic film, and one I would highly recommend seeing.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
21 & Over, The Descendants