Away We Go (2009) (Theatrical) - 7/10

I was looking forward to seeing Sam Mendes' new film after Revolutionary Road called Away We Go but left ultimately underwhelmed by a story that tries too hard to be realistic that it takes out any suspense or emotional climax we were hoping for. John Krazinsky and Mia Rudolph are cute as the in love couple expecting a baby yet their trip across the country to find a new home is so sporatic and disjointed that you never know how long they're gonna take in a certain place that just when you're comfortable, they change the scenery. I liked the supporting characters like his mom and Dad or the friends they see in each city but I was just waiting for some sort of rising conflict to occur or have the baby put in danger so that we are actually worried about their future. Instead, we're treated to a bunch of sappy indie love songs and unlikabel characters so that we have no choice but to try and identify with the leads who I couldn't b/c I believe in marriage and don't have a pregnant girlfriend. The scenes b/w the two when they're alone work great because we see the humor in him trying to get mad or excited the heart rate of the baby but when we see how unhappy they are at the end still, I feel like they didn't learn anything from anyone. Overall, a letdown only because I like Mendes' more dramatic work than this love story type realism where it shows how shitty parents and drunk friends can be when you're just trying to find your way in the world. Depressing to say the least.