Blu-ray Review: Away We Go

Away We Go
Written by: Dave Eggers & Vendela Vida
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Starring: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Catherine O'Hara, Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Allison Janney, Chris Messina, Paul Schnieder, and Jim Gaffigan

Bonus Features: The Making of Away We Go, Green Filmmaking, Commentary with Sam Mendes, Dave Eggers, and Vendela Vida, BD Live

From the box: John Krasinksi (The Office) and Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live) star in the heartfelt film that explores the comedic twists and turns in one couple's journey across contemporary America. Anticipating the birth of their first child, longtime couple Burt (Krasinski) and Verona (Rudolph) embark on an ambitious itinerary to visit friends and family in order to find their perfect home. Featuring a remarkable soundtrack and an incredible ensemble cast - including Jeff Daniels, Allison Janney, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Catherine O'Hara and Jim Gaffigan. It's the hilarious , witty film that critics are hailing as "absolutely extraordinary!" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone)

Following the disastrous Revolutionary Road, I was apprehensive of even seeing this movie. Honestly, my faith in Mendes was that shaken after I saw that movie.

Were my fears realized? Was this just as bad as Revolutionary Road?

Click the Rawr! to find out.

In a word? No. In a few? Away We Go is delightful. It's on an entirely different level from Road and has taken its place as my favorite Sam Mendes movie.

The story follows a couple expecting their first child who travel the country visiting family and friends searching for the perfect place to settle down and begin their family. These friends and family are made up by some crazy characters and absolutely hilarious situations (especially those involving Maggie Gyllenhaal and Allison Janney).

These visits are not only funny but deeply touching and human. Some of the best aspects of the film are the reactions, often times purely expressed with a facial expression, of our two heroes as they're faced with the situations before them.

Even as odd as these characters can get, it never seems over the top. The performances from everyone are natural and completely believable. This is especially true of Maya Rudolph who is stunning in her restraint and delivers her best performance yet. What we have here is one of the best ensemble casts this year.

Of course the cast would be nowhere if it weren't for the brilliant script from Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. There isn't a flaw to be found. Their dialogue is witty and their story is one that is so real that it could happen to anyone. Beautiful work.

The film is made even better by it's fantastic soundtrack featuring artists like Bob Dylan, The Velvet Underground, and more. The music compliments the film perfectly.

Away We Go has a sure fire shot at numerous Oscar nods, including Best Picture and it is well deserving of any and all of them.

I'll go on record and say that Sam Mendes has completely 100% redeemed himself with his work here. It's flawless.

As for the Blu-ray, well, that's where the disappointment comes in. It's not in the picture, it looks perfect. Of course it's nothing groundbreaking in terms of clarity and color, but is it supposed to be?

The real problem is with the extras. There's really nothing here. No deleted scenes, no bloopers, nothing but a couple of featurettes and a commentary. Major disappointment for a movie that is certain to be so rich with supplements.

Aside from that, Away We Go is a must see and a welcome addition to any film lover. It's one of the best films of the year and one I am extrenmely glad to have finally seen (despite my reservations).

Away We Go is in stores now.