Review of The Spectacular Now (2013) by Wayne K — 24 Nov 2015

Just when you think a particular genre has completely run out of ideas and is just churning out staunchly formulaic products like the producers are consulting a step-by-step instruction manual, it's both exciting and refreshing when a movie comes along and breaths all new life into it.

Much to my delight, The Spectacular Now does just that. It takes nearly everything that is so trite and frustrating about the romance genre, whether it be the flawlessly beautiful leads, the excruciatingly schmaltzy dialogue, the forced conflicts and, of course, the 3rd act misunderstanding and subsequent breakup, and manages to not only avoid them, but also demonstrate how unnecessary they are.

Many of the scenes are just our leads, both beautifully played, interacting in a very believable way. Many will find the film to be rather dull and pointless, and in truth many of the scenes are a bit too slow.

But what I got from them was that what these characters have is real, and that a blossoming love doesn't always have to be explained or analysed, it just needs to be experienced. I won't spoil the ending, but I will say I thought it was an absolutely perfect conclusion.

The Spectacular Now is charmingly acted, heartfelt, poignant and, best of all, unique. As someone who doesn't often watch romance flicks, this film reminded me just how good they can be.