Away We Go
When slacker thirtysomething couple Burt (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph) discover that his parents are moving overseas, the duo -- who expect their first child in a few months -- set off on a cross-country tour to figure out where they should lay down some roots in Sam Mendes' poignant comedy Away We Go. They visit a number of different cities, and meet with a different friend or family member's family at each stop. Their hosts include a set of emotionally detached parents (Allison Janney and Jim Gaffigan), a pair of overprotective new-age parents (Maggie Gyllenhaal and Josh Hamilton), and old college pals (Chris Messina and Melanie Lynskey), who have adopted a number of kids. Novelist Dave Eggers wrote the script with Vendela Vida.
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Carmen Ejogo,Jeff Daniels, Jim Gaffigan
Burt and Verona are two characters rarely seen in the movies: thirtysomething, educated, healthy, self-employed, gentle, thoughtful, whimsical, not neurotic and really truly in love.
Rudolph, a comic force on "SNL," can speak volumes with the tilt of an eyebrow. She and Krasinski, of "The Office," are absolutely extraordinary. Ditto the film, which sneaks up and floors you.
A movie with memorable and engaging performances.
A gilded entry in the cinema du quirk. It's a movie that invites you, all too often, to feel superior to the people on screen.
In tone and plotting, Away We Go feels like a fairy tale built on an aggravating collection of attitudes. It's condescending, judgmental, righteous, yet sincerely searching.
Best Actress
Black Reel Awards (2010)
Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Feature - Studio or Independent Comedy
Casting Society of America (2010)
Best Actress
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (2009)
Choice Summer Movie: Romance
Teen Choice Awards (2009)
Best Actress
Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards (2009)
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