How do we define a home? That is the question posed to the viewer in this sweet, charming rom-com staring John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph. The movie begins, presenting us with a 30 year old couple, Verona de Tessant and Burt Farlander. They are unmarried, and she is six months pregnant. They live in rural Colorado, near Burt's parents' home, and decide to pay the future grandparents a visit.
At this visit, they discover that Burt's parents are planning to move to Antwerp, Belgium, just before the arrival date of the baby. Feeling disenfranchised as they drive home, they begin to discuss, and make the decision to move. But where? They have no friends in Colorado, and soon no family, they have no tie-downs, Burt's job allows for a seeming freedom of destinations. So they brainstorm, and come up with a list of places based on friend's and relatives and their locations.
Next, in big, plain lettering on the screen, is announced "Away to Phoenix", one of 4 destinations the movie travels to as the couple decides where to finally live. At each destination, they meet a family that they know, either through school or college, each with it's own unique flaws and advantages.
The movie, if taken too seriously, may leave one a little flat. The flaws are often over-exaggerated, and sometimes seem a little ridiculous. The character histories aren't entirely explained, particularly Verona's, we're not exactly sure where she grew up, and the ending of the movie is also kind of, 'really?'
But, on the merits of a Rom-Com, this movie does deliver several laughs, and has many tender moments. It makes interesting observations on various types of families and parenting styles, while also poking some fun at them. It could be argued that this movie is maybe a little depressing from time to time, but I find that those moments in the movie provide it with the humanity it would otherwise be missing.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are a cute couple as the two leads, they have a playful dichotomy and are easy to connect with, both individually and as a couple. In their characters we can see all of the flaws and insecurities that a relationship and an incoming child can carry. I wouldn't call their performances career defining, but they work for the movie.
Overall, 7 out of 10. An enjoyable rom-com for a rainy day.
At this visit, they discover that Burt's parents are planning to move to Antwerp, Belgium, just before the arrival date of the baby. Feeling disenfranchised as they drive home, they begin to discuss, and make the decision to move. But where? They have no friends in Colorado, and soon no family, they have no tie-downs, Burt's job allows for a seeming freedom of destinations. So they brainstorm, and come up with a list of places based on friend's and relatives and their locations.
Next, in big, plain lettering on the screen, is announced "Away to Phoenix", one of 4 destinations the movie travels to as the couple decides where to finally live. At each destination, they meet a family that they know, either through school or college, each with it's own unique flaws and advantages.
The movie, if taken too seriously, may leave one a little flat. The flaws are often over-exaggerated, and sometimes seem a little ridiculous. The character histories aren't entirely explained, particularly Verona's, we're not exactly sure where she grew up, and the ending of the movie is also kind of, 'really?'
But, on the merits of a Rom-Com, this movie does deliver several laughs, and has many tender moments. It makes interesting observations on various types of families and parenting styles, while also poking some fun at them. It could be argued that this movie is maybe a little depressing from time to time, but I find that those moments in the movie provide it with the humanity it would otherwise be missing.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are a cute couple as the two leads, they have a playful dichotomy and are easy to connect with, both individually and as a couple. In their characters we can see all of the flaws and insecurities that a relationship and an incoming child can carry. I wouldn't call their performances career defining, but they work for the movie.
Overall, 7 out of 10. An enjoyable rom-com for a rainy day.
Away We Go (2009)
- 23/08/2010 05:20:21 AM
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