Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyle Chandler, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Andre Royo, Bob Odenkirk
Directed By: James Ponsoldt

It’s nice to see a film aimed at teenagers that isn’t stupid and treats the audience like they have a smattering of intelligence. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower was the last film that did this, and The Spectacular Now tackles hard issues as well. Mostly, it tackles alcoholism, and how it can really be a problem. It does this in a covert manner, without ever really saying “don’t drink, kids”. But you can’t help but realize by the end of the movie that the main character, Sutter (Teller) has figured out that if he keeps drinking like he does, he’s going to end up like his deadbeat dad (Chandler).

Kyle Chandler never gets to play bad guy roles, or loser roles. People always seem to cast him in nice guy roles, so it’s a breath of fresh air to see him play a douchebag. The real star here is Miles Teller, who is really catching notice right now for Whiplash. This kid is going places. He’s smart, great with dialogue, and really good at connecting with his character and his material. He reminds me a lot of Tom Cruise, actually. Great with fast dialogue, charming, good at playing “smarter than you” characters. He’s definitely one to watch.

As far as his co-star, Shailene Woodley, she’s had better roles. Here, she’s stuck being quiet and nerdy, and it keeps her from getting to show her stuff. Not that she does a bad job, it’s just not really a role to talk about. It might have fallen under the radar, and you probably didn’t see it, but you should give it a chance. It may star some young stars, but I think anyone of any age can relate to the story. It’s never too late to make a change in your life, and become a better person.

FINAL GRADE: A-