THE SPECTACULAR NOW
(2013), USA,
95 Mins
Dir: James Ponsoldt
Ok, when it comes to young adult/coming of age type
films, this basic plot for a movie may sound rather familiar, but bear with me!
A seemingly very popular young high school senior, Sutter
(Miles Teller) is loving life in the now – he has the charm to worm his way
into just about anything, he has a beautiful, popular & happening girlfriend,
& a handy part time job. Basically he is the life of the party as his class
approaches the end of school. But when his girlfriend suddenly dumps him &
forces him to re-evaluate where he is headed in life, he finds himself drawn to
the smart but socially outcast Aimee (Shailene Woodley). Initially in Sutter’s
eyes, it may be just a rebound while she assists him with schoolwork, but
Stutter soon becomes very attached to Amy, & likewise the rather shy Aimee
finds herself opening to a new world in finding her 1st ever
boyfriend in Sutter.
As I
mentioned, this storyline has a familiar ring to it on first glance, but The
Spectacular Now is anything but another typical teen romance once we get into
the details of the film. There is a lot more to Sutter than his initial output.
Why does he sneak a drink from his hip flask every opportunity he can? What
exactly caused his father to leave his mother, & how deeply does this
affect Sutter? Also Aimee is finding her way into a world with more independence,
but how is that affecting her relationship with her own family? And where do
their lives lead them once school finishes?
Its these kind of deep issues, plus the first rate
performances from Teller & Woodley that really separate The Spectacular Now
from other films of its genre. There is real chemistry between Sutter &
Aimee, & we really get a feel for their struggles as they try to find
themselves & where they are headed – right from the first meeting, up until
their inevitable tension & possible breakdown of the relationship.
With an excellent supporting cast containing the likes
of Jennifer Jason Leigh & Mary Elizabeth Winstead, The Spectacular Now is
literally just that...spectacular! I really found myself immersed in the film
& I really identified well with Sutter & Aimee, & you find yourself
hoping they can find a way through their struggles in growing up. I really like
that the film avoided the pitfalls of other coming of age films, & also avoided
a more typical Hollywood ending. Be prepared for some heartbreak along the journey,
as well as plenty of heart-warming moments.
I saw The Spectacular Now at the Melbourne
International Film Festival back in August, but it has just been given a
limited general release now, & this is definitely worth tracking down if
you can. It was the standout film I saw at MIFF, & one of the films of 2013,
no question. A real gem, I’m going to give this **** ½
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