The Spectacular Now - B+

Rated R, 95 minutes

Ponsoldt's "Spectacular Now" a dark, superbly-acted teen drama

Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller

"The Spectacular Now" is a stellar, authentic teen drama, and one of the best this genre has seen since 2012's "The Perks of Being a Wildflower." An intelligent, low-key drama from James Ponsoldt (of last year cruelly underrated drama "Smashed"), it's sly, darkly shaded and a must-see for two breakout performances from its leads. "The Spectacular Now" is the tale of Sutter Keely (Miles Teller), a high school senior and effortless charmer, and of how he unexpectedly falls in love with "the good girl" Aimee Finecky (Shailene Woodley). Ponsoldt's adept, satisfying "The Spectacular Now" is the year's best teen drama, though channeling a darker side of teen life. Treading some similar ground as last year's superb "Smashed" (the star of that film, the lovely Mary Elizabeth Winstead, also appears here memorably in a supporting role). In another strong turn, the naturally beautiful Woodley (of "The Descendants," for which she should've been Oscar-nominated for) shows she more than just a pretty face as the shy but smart girl who falls for the boy seemingly wrong for her; she brings a depth to the role that is evident from the first frame her character knows more than she lets on. Along with Woodley, "The Spectacular Now" will be known for the superb, breakout turn from newcomer Miles Teller in a complex, difficult role that's beautifully played. Teller, up to now playing the Spiccoli types in films like "21 & Over," "Footloose" and "Project X," is a revelation as the boy whose charm masks his own path to self-destruction. As fully realized as Teller's performance is, some of the darker themes aren't as fully developed by Ponsoldt's script, particularly the main character's drinking problem, though we certainly know that it's genetic (as his divorced, estranged parents, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Kyle Chandler both are also excellent) and its too-pat ending on the upbeat "coming-of-agey" side. Even with some minor flaws, "The Spectacular Now" is a worthy, affecting and smart teen drama that adults should relate to as well.

Wes's Grade: B+