Film Review: Away We Go

I didn't think it was possible to love John Krasinski any more than I already do. But it is. It really, really is.

On paper, Away We Go is pretty close to perfection: starring Krasinski and Maya Rudolph, directed by Sam Mendes, and written by Dave Eggers and his wife, Vendela Vida, with a soundtrack by Alexi Murdoch, it's a near can't-miss. But if I've learned anything about movies recently, it's that you can't always be fooled with a great cast, great writers, and a promising plot. I lowered my expectations appropriately, just in case.

I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised--what I feared would be just another pointless quirky indie romance filled with slow-motion montages set to sad guitar music turned out to be a light, smart, and sweet comedy. Krasinski is pitch-perfect in his role as Bert, a lovable 33-year-old insurance salesman, and Maya Rudolph easily switches gears from her zany SNL characters to Verona, his sassy and independent girlfriend. The movie follows the couple as they roam the continent in search of the perfect place to raise their soon-to-be-born baby, and features great cameos by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Catherine O'Hara, Jim Gaffigan, Allison Janney, and Paul Schneider. It has its quirky indie romance montage moments, but all in all, the script is funny and charming and just the right amount of poignant.

I think it's time for Jim to grow a beard...