By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
I really didn’t know what to expect from this film but my movie buddies told me it was getting great reviews on the east coast. A hard-partying high school senior’s philosophy on life changes when he meets the not-so-typical “nice girl” (IMDB).
This film not only surprised me with its well written characters of depth but how well the actor’s portrayed those characters. Miles Teller as Sutter for me was the character with the most depth because we witness his journey from teenager to becoming a man. Sutter in the beginning is a laid back teenage slacker who constantly shirks his responsibilities and drinks way too much. Along comes Aimee (Shailene Woodley) who becomes his girlfriend and he in a way corrupts by introducing alcohol and other activities. However, both seem to rise above their troublesome behavior because they give each other strength to confront their troubles head on.
There are not special effects in this film but it is simply a well-made and acted drama. The writing and acting is so good that I truly cared what happened to them in the end which is becoming a far too infrequent thing lately in most films I see. This film is definitely worth seeing but I wouldn’t pay full price, catch a matinee.