Review of The Spectacular Now (2013) by Orlando O — 28 Jan 2014

The Spectacular Now is emotionally gripping in this drama coming of age film. It may not follow the curriculum of a coming of age concept but it does have that setting tone.

It follows Sutter (Miles Teller) a high school student with struggling grades, no plans for his future and is irresponsible. He spends most of his time partying until he loses his girlfriend Cassidy (Brie Larson). He decides to get wasted and wake up the next morning in front of his yard. He is woken up by a strange girl that goes to the same high school Aimee (Shailene Woodley). They both fall for each other as Sutter prematurely learns to grow up and take responsibility.

The story was captivating and charming in a way. It does go over the concept about young adults being afraid on growing up and being mature. Especially, it shows Sutter who is an every day party guy making a shy smart girl Aimee his rebound girlfriend. Then again, it follows the consequences as Sutter's father Tommy (Kyle Chandler) who refuses to take responsibility and how he turned out as a person.

Miles Teller is great playing an outgoing teen that constantly drinks and is afraid to move on with his life. Shailene Woodley is good as well playing an adorable shy bright teen. Brie Larson was mediocre, who only shows up every now and then on screen, and her character could have been better shot except she was there for those brief few lines moments.

James Ponsoldt did pretty good adapting the movie adding a fun sense of humor, and giving that sense of feeling of watching these characters entering adulthood. Yes, the movie is touching in a way when you see these characters progress. It does sway away from what most coming of age movies usually end. It does end on an open-ended conclusion leaving you feeling for the characters.