Movie Review- Away we Go

I saw Away We Go, which has just been released over here in the UK. I like Sam Mendes' work, but he is a rather depressing film maker. He even killed his own wife in Revolutionary Road, for God's sake! So, I was pleasently surprised when the trailer for Away we Go was released, many months ago. For once, it looked like Mr. Kate Winslet had turned soft. Here, it seems he has, as this road trip movie is sweet and tender. Hopefully though, he will return to his grittier roots, as the main problem for Away we Go is it's not funny enough to be a comedy, and not dramatic enough to be a drama. It falls clumsily into the middle, and never truly finds a unique personality for itself. The film falls two thirtysomething misfits, Burt and Verona (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph) as they attempt to find their place in the world, as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. When Burt's parents leave for Belgium, the two must learn to grow up, and find somewhere to raise their child in a comfortable environment.
What is so refreshing is how down beat Away we Go is. It's nice to see a truly happy couple, neither of whom are having an affair, or is secretly a mass murdering hippy etc. I was half expecting at least one clumsy death to occur (it's Mendes' signature style!), but I was happy to see just a sweet film. The performances are excellent, particularly from the two leads. The film only really focuses on the two, so lacks scope when it comes to fleshing out the supporting characters. That's not to say that the supporting turns aren't stellar; Maggie Gyllenhaal is hilarious as the nature loving hippy mother, and Alison Jenney gives a grotesquely rich performance as a neurotic boss.
There are flaws here though. Although the film is kind and adorable, there are very few belly laughs. There are flashes of great moments concealed in a very flawed movie, but it can never escape from slight mediocrety. Also, the film's beginning feels rushed, and doesn't allow time to connect with the two leads enough to truly care what happens to them in the end. Another problem would have to be how slow the movie can be, particularly near the end of the film. Although the emotional wallop is hard hitting in places, you can't help but think 'so what?' Because of that rushed beggining, the film could never recover. For me though, the biggest problem was the film's feeling that it needed to be smutty throughout. Away we Go would have been much more enjoyable had it focused on the characters a little more than the smut. Still, I recommend it for those who want a nice, slower picture, and some of the humour does hit the mark. I give Away we Go 3 of 5.

* Special thanks to Picturehouse Cinemas for their continuing support to my reviews*