Review of The Spectacular Now (2013) by Peter P — 19 May 2014

In 2013's Sundance favorite 'The Spectacular Now,' Tim Tharp's young adult novel by the same name gets star treatment thanks to breakout performances by Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller.

With James Ponsoldt at the helm, Woodley and Teller play two teens on the cusp of graduating from high school who had never crossed paths with each other due to their many differences (Teller playing a party animal and Woodley a shy, innocent girl from the right side of the tracks) until one day, when everything changes when the two accompany one another on a paper route.

'Now' boasts a wide range of themes, focusing on parenthood, the future, love and, of course, "the now." While the film is primarily a dramedy (with more focus on the drama), there are a host of unexpected occurrences that pop up, taking audiences for twists and turns as the characters figure out what they want out of their relationship, ponder their relationships with their parents and decide whether or not they should attend college.

One completely unexpected moment comes in the second third of the film, which really shakes up the story. But aside from this, the pacing is rather slow and there's a general lack of excitement. It really is all about the main actors' performances and their chemistry with one another, which is ever-present and culminates in a great ending.

Even though 'The Spectacular Now' has some questionable elements, including a dangerous take on drinking and driving, the overall story is strong and the film is a "diamond in the rough" of sorts.