"Sacramento" is a road trip worth taking
Michael Angarano and Michael Cera hit the open road
Actor Michael Angarano's sophomore directorial effort, "Sacramento," from Vertical, tackles the road trip genre. Angarano also writes the film's script with Chris Smith.
After the passing of his father, the lively and free-spirited Rickey (played by Angarano) persuades his long-time friend Glenn (portrayed by Michael Cera) to embark on an unplanned road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento. While Glenn feels frustrated by Rickey's refusal to grow up, his pregnant wife Rosie (played by Kristen Stewart) encourages him to join the adventure to reconnect. Sitting in the worn yellow seats of Glenn's old college convertible, the two friends confront their anxieties, reflect on past mistakes, and contemplate what the future holds for them.
One of the first things that caught my eye about "Sacramento" is that the three film's leads are all former child stars who successfully transitioned to adult careers, so I was sold on that angle. Angarano starts the film awakened, hinting at a nude scene for his character in the woods, which leads to him meeting Tallie (Maya Erskine). The two have instant chemistry, and when we next see Rickey, he is being thrown out of therapy.
Both of these events set up the domino effect for his character, which sets up the reunion of his character with his former best friend, Gleen. Cera brings his usual neurotic quirks to Glenn, and subtly, there is a validity that he is struggling with something. As for Stewart, while I have been a staunch defender of her acting style in the past, she is phoning it in here. I would not say that she is doing the role for a check, as I imagine she is still eating good of the "Twilight" residuals, but she seems uninterested.
"Sacramento" does not gain much momentum during the road trip portion. While the chemistry between our two male leads is apparent, something feels missing. I appreciate Angarango's restraint in not overdoing the lovable loser aspect of his character and for not transforming Glen into someone who compromises his values. However, the film hits all the usual tropes, such as meeting two women and listening to music on the road, which feels forced.
Early on, we learn that Rickey has an ulterior motive for the trip, which results in an out-of-character third-act plot point involving Tallie. Maya Erskine, who won me over in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," has some merit here. I wish the film focused on the romance between her character and Rickey, with Glenn and Rosie playing more minor parts.
"Sacramento" is not a bad film if it intended to explore the dynamics of adult male friendships; it was just a little safe for my tastes.
Final Grade: B-
"Sacramento" is in theaters on April 11th.