The Spectacular Now Movie Review

I try my best to expand my horizons when it comes to watching movies and that means finding movies that people don't hear too much about. Every year there are a couple of movies that release that are hidden gems. The Spectacular Now is definitely one of those gems. I have a soft spot for coming-of-age movies especially those that have the romance factor. It was directed by James Ponsoldt and starred two young up and coming actors, Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley.

We're first introduced to Sutter as senior in high school who loves to drink and party. He's all about living in the now and doesn't really ever think about the consequences of his actions. After a break up with his girlfriend he meets Aimee, a genuinely sincere and smart girl who spends too much time unfairly working for her mother. It wasn't love at first sight, but there was something there between them.

The problem is Sutter can't really let go of the past and constantly tries to get back with his ex-girlfriend even after meeting Aimee. One of the reasons I loved this movie so much was because of the way it made me love a character one minute and hate him the next. Sutter on the outside displays a happy persona, but we soon come to realize that there is much more to this kid. He tries to bottle up his emotions and drown them out with drinking.

Both Teller and Woodley had amazing performances. I became so emotionally invested with the characters and would catch myself giving them advice out loud! It's the type of movie that you relate to yourself pretty easily and just makes you feel all sorts of feelings at once. As you watch the movie you realize that there is an amount of depth that this story has and it's beautiful. And when done right, I think young love stories are pretty great.

The movie has its high and lows, but it had be laughing one minute and feeling sad the next. I think a movie has done it's job when it really makes you feel something. Maybe not the most original plot, but it was executed perfectly by the cast and director and it is simply beautiful storytelling. It's unfortunate that this was a limited release because I think a very large audience would enjoy this film. The Spectacular Now gets an 8.5 out 10 in my book