the spectacular now

Variety Reviews...Sundance || BY Rob Nelson || 01 23 2013 9:00 PM

SUNDANCE REVIEW: James Ponsoldt's 'The Spectacular Now' Is A Spectacularly Authentic American Teen Movie

The scars and blemishes on the faces of the high-school lovers in The Spectacular Now are beautifully emblematic of director James Ponsoldt's bid to bring the American teen movie back to some semblance of reality, a bid that pays off spectacularly indeed. Skillfully adapted from Tim Tharp's novel, evocatively lensed in the working-class neighborhoods of Athens, Ga., and tenderly acted by Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley, this bittersweet ode to the moment of childhood's end builds quietly to a pitch-perfect finale. Warts-and-all authenticity can be a tough sell, but Ponsoldt's bracing youth pic seems bound to graduate with honors. more »

Sundance || BY Brian Brooks || 01 17 2013 11:30 PM

SUNDANCE: Directors Tease 'Computer Chess,' 'Spectacular Now,' 'Emanuel And The Truth About Fishes,' 'Salma,' And 'Blackfish'

The Sundance Film Festival opens Thursday with a new crop of anticipated indies — some of which will define the cinematic year. Last year's narrative winner Beasts of the Southern Wild received a slew of Oscar nominations this year along with other titles. Which ones will emerge this year? Over the next week, Movieline will give a snapshot of the filmmakers themselves in their own words along with trailers. Here Andrew Bujalski (Computer Chess), James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now), Francesca Gregorini (Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes), Kim Longinotto (Salma), and Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish) preview their films.
more »