Movie Review: Sacramento

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent dramedy. 

A problem with most modern dramedies is that often they do a better job at pulling on your heartstrings than making you laugh. That is definitely not the case here. While the storyline of two friends with opposite personalities going on a road trip is not a new comedic idea, this movie manages to get some real genuine laughs from it. The humor is not only funny but actually laugh out loud hilarious. Judging from the laughter of the audience in the theater, I was not the only person who felt this way. At the same time this comedy is matched perfectly with the drama. This is because both the comedy and the drama come from the characters. While they humor may get over the top and silly every comedic moment adds to us being able to understand these characters better. Because of this the tonal changes between a silly comedy and serious drama feel like the most natural thing in the world. Adding to this is the great chemistry between Michael Cera and Michael Angarano (who also directed, produced and co-wrote this film). The bromance between the two is completely believable and even in the scenes where they are fighting you can feel the love these two characters have underneath. As well as these two main characters Kristen Stewart and Maya Erskine shine in their smaller roles, dominating the screen whenever they are on. 

As well being funny and touching, this movie is also quite insightful as it looks dealing with anxiety, accepting responsibilities and how friendships tend to drift apart as you get older. It approaches these subjects in a completely honest and intelligent way that will definitely speak to many going through similar thoughts and feelings. As someone who deals with anxiety myself, I thought the presentation of panic attacks here felt completely believable and real. 

This film does have some pacing issues though. The last act felt particularly rushed, while the scenes with the two girls who owned a gym went on longer than they needed to. 

Despite some pacing issues, this is in the words of Charlie Chaplin, "A picture with a smile - and perhaps, a tear." In other words, this is a laugh out funny movie with some very intelligent and moving dramatic moments as well.