The Spectacular Now-2013

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley

Scott’s Review #161

Reviewed August 29, 2014

Grade: B

The Spectacular Now (2013) is a coming-of-age independent film that follows a romance between two unlikely high school seniors.

Sutter (Miles Teller) is a popular student who takes a shine to smart loner Aimee (Shailene Woodley), and the two develop a strong bond as they each struggle with parental issues while being opposite social types.

She is college-bound and motivated; he lives in the now with no thoughts of the future. But somehow they forge a connection.

The film’s success lies with Teller and Woodley, who each deliver strong performances, and their chemistry is evident.

At first, I didn’t buy Teller as a traditionally popular kid or Woodley as the friendless recluse, but somehow the film works because each has a rooting value.

Sutter’s ex-girlfriend Cassidy, whom he still has feelings for, is played by Brie Larson, and the character is underdeveloped, unnecessary, and not much of a rooting interest for her or competition for the main couple.

Interestingly, alcohol and alcoholism are touched on as the two leads drink quite heavily and regularly for being only eighteen years old, but are glossed over.

I think the film is more about the romance between the two rather than any social issues.

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyle Chandler, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead deliver capable supporting performances.

Shailene Woodley received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actress, but Miles Teller received no nomination. This surprised me, as I thought he was a bit better than she was and had the meatier role.

The Spectacular Now (2013) is hardly anything groundbreaking, but a nicely told story that is authentic and admirable for a teen film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Shailene Woodley, Best Screenplay