Review of Away We Go (2009) by Patrick E — 17 Jun 2010

Away We Go is a film that has received great reviews across the board which is something I just can not understand. The plot revolves around two thirty something?s about to have a child and who travel across America trying to pick the perfect place to raise their child. It's supposed to be a comedy but it was painfully unfunny and downright boring most of the time. Director Sam Mendes has crafted some truly bizarre annoying characters, he went way too far in trying to make everyone as kooky as possible in order to raise laughs but it just doesn't work. For a film that tries to base itself in reality the characters are too extraordinary and takes the realism out of the film.

There are some good points; some scenes are quite touching, especially the final ten minutes and the film has an excellent soundtrack. Sadly it's just not enough to elevate the film above mediocre.

Maybe I just didn't get it but it's a poor effort from Sam Mendes.