The Spectacular Now is simply…spectacular, with the superb performances by Miles Teller (Footloose, Project X, 21 & Over) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants). This is not the teen romantic comedy film one might assume that is offered during the summer, but has some depth to it and these actors can easily demonstrate their range of acting from the humorous to the quite dramatic.
The film opened in Austin and other locales, but it is just arriving in San Antonio today and will keep the spoilers to a minimum. Truly, there is one scene between these two actors that takes your breath away and not in the romantic sense. You see, high school senior Sutter Keely (Teller) likes to live his life for what it brings today. He has learned to cope with his life’s ups and downs by being the life of the party and keeping a drink cup with him all the time, even while on the job at a men’s clothing store. He has no plans for the future.
Until he wakes up on a neighbor’s lawn and finds Aimee Finicky (Woodley) staring down at him. They are utterly different and these opposites attract. The screenplay written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber based on the novel by Tim Tharp is one that keeps the viewer engaged and appeals to diverse audiences – not just teens. The cast includes Brie Larson, Kyle Chandler and Jennifer Jason Leigh among many others that make this a stand out film.
It has been a favorite at both the Sundance and SXSW Film Festivals this year, so now that it is in Texas theaters, I highly recommend viewing this for both the story and the performances.
Liz Lopez
Rating B+
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Source: AFS,
ELinksToday 
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