The Spectacular Now (2013) – DVD Review

Director: James Ponsoldt
Writer: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (screenplay), Tim Tharp (novel)
Actors: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Kyle Chandler
Runtime: 95 min
Rating: 14A

A film about young people does not have to be limited to said demographic. There are many classic coming-of-age movies that attract fans of cinema of all ages; if the emotions are universal, then so is the appeal. The Spectacular Now is a wonderful movie about a teenage relationship that digs a lot deeper than the majority within this genre. Honest and real, yet unfailingly sweet and sensitive, here is a film that avoids clichés and will certainly please many.

When popular high school senior Sutter (Miles Teller) is dumped by his seemingly perfect girlfriend, he does not even consider nerdy nice-girl Aimee (Shailene Woodley) as a potential rebound. After she finds him passed out drunk one morning, however, the two begin a friendship that quickly blossoms into an unlikely romance. Both Sutter and Aimee have issues at home, and as they grow closer to one another, they begin to share their stories and to work through their problems together. Aimee may plan for the future, and Sutter may live in the now, but somehow, the two are drawn together, and their story is by turns funny, exciting, and heartbreaking, a perfect reflection of youth itself.

Throughout this film, one is continually struck by the authenticity of the characters. The dialogue between Sutter and Aimee sounds exactly like that of a teenage couple, and their actions and reactions appear genuine. One exception to this rule was the amount of teenage drunk driving depicted; I do not feel as if it actually occurs to the extent portrayed, and did have to force myself to look past this minor flaw. Overall, however, the personalities of the two protagonists were so expertly crafted that it was impossible not to believe in them and to hope for their happiness and success, and both Teller and Woodley proved themselves to be young up-and-comers to watch closely.

The screenplay for this film was adapted from Tim Tharp’s novel of the same name by (500) Days of Summer screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, and the dialogue is witty and often wry. The film also takes time to present lovely scenery and music, emphasising the message regarding the importance of taking the time to enjoy life and live every moment to the fullest. Many teenage movies are intent on filling their scenes with action, drama, and even sex. Here, plot progression is slow, allowing time for emotions to develop and bonds to form, both between the characters on screen and the audience watching them.

The Spectacular Now is more than just a good teenage flick; it is a great film. Director James Ponsoldt handles the issues and nuances of adolescent relationships with sensitivity, but without ever sugar coating them or making them feel insignificant. Although there is weight and substance, there is no bite or meanness present to get in the way of an important message, and an underlying charm and sweetness prevails. Ignore the film’s R rating in the States; here is a film about teens that should be watched by teens, and will certainly resonate with an older audience as well.