Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3/4
A modest spectacle.
memento_mori - wrote on 12/25/2013
If you have been in love, you will probably find yourself smirking at the sight of this movie. Because it understands the story of love as well.
I've always been keen on watching independent romance films, because they tend to be the exact opposite of the shallow rom-coms in the mainstream of today (examples: The Ugly Truth, Good Luck Chuck, etc.), and The Spectacular Now is no exception.
The Spectacular Now is one of the most heartfelt and humanly influential films I've seen all year.
As much as its characters thrive to be mature, the whole movie succeeds in showing the deepest levels of maturity.
Shailene Woodley is a great new talent, I'm sure, she may win some awards if she keep going on the same route as The Descendants and now this film.
She embodies the slightly introverted …
Rating of
3.5/4
Review: The Spectacular Now
MikePA - wrote on 12/19/2013
One year - three excellent coming-of-age films, all of which currently stand in my Top 10 Best of 2013 list. Being that I'm a teenager in high school (currently a senior... that college stress is a comin'), I always find these types of films to be the most relatable and, when done passionately, the most moving. There's just something about coming-of-age stories that touch my heart - the characters, the stories they live through, the difficulties they face, and their journey in overcoming that, hence "come of age." From films like The Goonies and E.T. to most recent ones like The Way Way Back and the outstanding Perks of Being a Wallflower, well-crafted coming-of-age stories have always been the ones that stick with me emotionally.
The Spectacular Now tells the story of Sutter (Miles …
Rating of
3.5/4
Almost Spectacular
Unknown - wrote on 09/20/2013
Here is one high school age drama that feels realistic in it's character's personalities, their romantic relationship, and their emotions. I found many aspects of this film to be relatable, mostly from Teller's character. He and Woodley share many genuine scenes together. The believability in their performances is amplified as they become closer to one another. These are the high points of the film. The emotions are just as strong in scenes involving Sutter's other personal and family problems, as well. The film does good to steer clear of genre conventions and cliches. However, there are a couple of scenes that I felt were completely unnecessary to the story and they diminish some of the emotion generated moments before. But in no way do they come close to ruining the film. The …
Rating of
3/4
Teller, Woodley Are Spectacular
Chris Kavan - wrote on 08/17/2013
There are not enough films that tackle the minefield that is high school with believability. But James Ponsoldt is obviously not one of those people who think that high school equals the best years of our lives (at least not for everyone). What we have is an unflinching look at being a teen who doesn't know where he is going and also finding a connection amidst the chaos.
Miles Teller plays Sutter, one of the two main characters i the film. He is the overly-gregarious, perpetually outgoing senior who takes life one day at a time. He is also a functioning alcoholic as throughout the film he pretty much always has a drink - a beer, a flask, a Big Gulp with a little extra flavor - and although he seems happy, you know in the back of your mind that his idea of living in the now is not …
