Iffy for 15+
Parent-to-be drama meanders but wraps up poignantly.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that older teens may be intrigued by this indie drama because of star John Krasinski and writers Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. Its unvarnished look at different types of parenting, though exaggerated for cinematic effect, hits home and could very well prompt some internal analysis. Expect a range of strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), some sexuality (including a glimpse of a bare breast), and social drinking.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about parenthood. How is this movie different from typical movies that take on the issue of parenting? Does it have any definitive answers about what makes someone a good or bad parent?
- What are Bur tand Verona's worries about parenthood? Does all theirfretting make them seem like they’ll actually be great parents -- orjust neurotic?
The good stuff
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Messages: The lead characters are very mindful of the enormity of their responsibilities. But a mother ridicules her kids and talks openly about wanting to leave their father, and another couple is openly judgmental of other people's parenting decisions. Grandparents-to-be don't seem to care to stay for the birth of their first grandchild. A lead character flings a stream of insults at old friends he feels areacting self-righteous. And a tipsy mom is rude to her children and much toogenerous with back-handed compliments.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: An earthy couple gives off a very sexual vibe; they drop hints about wanting sex in front of others. The wife inadvertently reveals her breast as she adjusts after breastfeeding. Another woman does a sensual dance on a stripper stage; it plays with melancholy, though, as her husband shares a tragedy with his friend while his wife dances.
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Language: Frequent use of words like "s--t," "f--k," "damn," "c--t," "tits," "ass," "goddamn," and "oh my God." Overall, though the language is strong, it's less gratuitous than in some movies.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking in bars and over dinner. One couple drinks all day long.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
AWAY WE GO - SWEPT ME AWAY! RATING: 85 out of 100. (Based on a advance press preview) by MOVIES REVIEWER
June 9 - I just attended the press preview of this 100-minute poignant captivating comedy - skillfully directed by Sam Mendes(Revolutionary Road).
Produced at a mere $17 million - based on a original screenplay co-written by husband/wife team Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida, this 'road-trip' is thematically-heavy(adulthood, love, responsibility, and family) superbly acted (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph - excellent on-screen chemistry!!!) - should recoup its production cost easily.
It was definitely a casting coup bringing two fine thespians together - that performed admirably and gave convincing performances as a couple. GREAT cast!
I went in with low expectations - and found myself glued to the screen totally absorbed in the plot - pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the various well-fleshed characters and their unique predicaments. LOVED IT!
VERDICT:
AWAY WE GO will appeal to a niche market - grown-ups/adults.
Recommended - GO see it!
ACTUAL RATING: B-PLUS
4
Away We Go by exSeattleite
If you're reading this, you're probably trying to figure out if you should go see this movie when the critics do not seem to have given it very good reviews. If you're a guy, like me, you're probably doubly concerned because your wife or girlfriend really wants to see it and you're thinking, can't we go see "Terminator" or "Pelham 123" and wait for it to come out on DVD? Well I saw it last night (with my wife) and definitely enjoyed it. It was funny -- at times really funny -- and thoughtful, but not in a mind-bending or blow-your-mind kind of way. Disclaimers: I am 40-something with 2 small kids, so I could relate to the theme, and I enjoy movies like "Flirting with Disaster" and "Best in Show," which this movie reminds me of. If you don't like quirky indie movies, then push for "Pelham 123," or ask your wife to go see it with one of her girlfriends.
5
A Perfect Film - Funny, Thought-provoking, Sweet, and Uplifting by ReproGal
Granted, I am THE target audience of this film -- a 34-year-old happily married Gen X-er with young kids -- but I have to say that my husband and I simply adored this movie. I have no idea why some reviewers carried on about the protagonists being "detached" or "smug" or "self-congratulatory" or whatever it is they were accused of, but I found them to be none of those things. They are fantastic dramatic and comic actors who have such incredibly sweet chemistry together. I found them to be normal, charming, real, and utterly sympathetic characters. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Allison Janney are HYSTERICAL, and the plot and the message of the film is lovely and uplifting. If you liked movies like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, you will love this movie. I'm so glad I didn't let these critics dissuade me from seeing such a wonderful film!!!
5
Best movie of the year so far by scorpiella
I have been so disappointed with the movies of this year, until now. This movie navigates so deftly from hilarious to heartfelt that you feel like you are on an amazing roller coaster ride. I can't recommend this movie enough!
5
AMONG THE BEST by HYPNOSIS44
One of the finest of the 5000 movies I have seen. Warm, quirky and heartfelt. Terrific cast and direction. I will see it again and probably add it to my slim permanent DVD collection.
4
Fun, creative, and all-around good time. by KILRbuny
I was extremely excited to see this movie, seeing as it hosted the talents of John Krasinski of "The Office" fame and Jim Gaffigan, one of my favorite comedians. I was not disappointed in the least bit. The story, though simple, is well told. Every step of the way is clear to you and you never feel lost. The leads are never predictable, and just about every scene you will find something to laugh at. If you are a fan of Juno or Little Miss Sunshine, this is a movie for you.
5
Really Funny by suemarie
I did not expect to laugh so much. Good movie, good cast with lots of laughs and some tears.
A couple approaching parenthood go on a journey to figure out what kind of future the new family will have.
There is some adult scenes and language, but there's a lot to enjoy.
5
AWAY WE GO by mooveelubber
There are so many wonderful adjectives to describe this movie - lovely, heartwarming, hilarious, poignant, tender, rewarding. I still have a lump in my throat and a smile on my face. Simply wonderful. And just as wonderful, was the soundtrack. Alexi Murdoch's voice and songs struck the perfect chord for this movie. I had to look him up on You Tube the moment I got home. Music so beautiful it has texture, like a warm blanket wrapped around you on a cold damp day. And we've had plenty of those this month. Go - watch - and listen. You won't be disappointed.
3
Five Word Review by redyeah
Fun look at real couple
3
Cute by Movie-couple
Went to go see this movie with my husband. I appreciated the storyline.....he didn't care for the movie at all. The movie had it's moments. We both agreed that the characters where likeable, but he felt that they were very much NOT believable. Personally, I would see it again.