
MOVIE: AWAY WE GO
Exorcise Sam Mendes of his tendency to muse on the melancholic disposition of humankind, and you’re left with Away We Go, a largely satisfying happy-go-lucky comedy. Indeed, the film is the antithesis of the director’s critically lauded back catalogue, allowing him to blow off some steam after completing the gruelling (but brilliant) Revolutionary Road. The film sees couple Verona (Maya Rudolph) and Burt (The Office’s John Krasinki) travel across America in search of a home in which to raise their yet-unborn child. While the plot feels a bit too episodic and some of the supporting characters come across as obnoxious, there are some strong cameo performances (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeff Daniels) and the two leads share a genuine and zany rapport. (JH)