Uncle B Approves - The Spectacular Now and Don Jon's Addiction

AICN,

Uncle B(ukkake) here with reviews of two flicks that each concern polarizing lead characters.

"The Spectacular Now" is a terrific meditation on adolescence and all of the uncertainty, fear, bravado, and pain that accompany youth. This film is from the director of "Smashed" and the writers of "500 Days of Summer" - both excellent films which made this a "must see" for me at the festival. I was initially disappointed that this film centered around Sutter Keely (played quite effectively by Miles Teller), who is completely self-absorbed and jerky. Director James Ponsoldt expects this initial reaction from the audience and uses it to his advantage. Once Sutter meets Aimee Finicky (an amazing Shailene Woodley) - in a memorable introduction - we recognize that there are deeper (albeit torn) layers to Sutter that were not immediately apparent. Although the audience is as skeptical of Sutter's intentions with Aimee as their respective friends (and there is reason for this apprehension), they do successfully act as a necessary catalyst for each other. Their misadventures include an extended sequence with Sutter's father that is ultimately transcendent. Another exceptional scene involves Sutter's boss, played by the always dependable Bob Odenkirk, which is so simple in execution but revelatory of Sutter's growth. Shailene Woodley has the less showy role, but emerges as a major talent (following "The Descendants"). Her blind devotion to Sutter is heartbreaking - particularly during a great scene following her prom. Shailene's final shot in the movie is reminiscent of the closing shot in "The Graduate" and will divide audiences as to its ultimate intention (although I think the physical gestures give it away). James Ponsoldt is the real deal - a director I will be following.

"Don Jon's Addiction" is the first time feature from actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who also plays the lead, Jon Martello. Similar to Sutter's introduction, Jon is initially portrayed as nothing more than an arrogant simpleton. Jon is a Jersey boy, hitting up clubs, chasing girls, and watching an unhealthy (is there such a thing?) amount of online pornography. The script, also from Gordon-Levitt, surprisingly manages to mine lots of comedy from this premise, and Gordon-Levitt shows definite promise as both a writer and director. Gordon-Levitt is clearly fascinated with how societal/media influences shape our personalities, actions, and mannerisms. I laughed quite a bit during this movie, especially during Jon's family dinners (Tony Danza, as Jon's father, is terrific). The character played by Julianne Moore (always great) is key to Jon's transformation, but the final act is just not as powerful as the "punch" delivered by "The Spectacular Now." "Don Jon's Addiction" will be a difficult sell to mainstream audiences (given the subject matter), not to mention the ratings board, but Gordon-Levitt has a unique and honest voice behind the camera. Uncle B approves.