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February 'Nick's Pix:' AWAY WE GO

Let's celebrate Valentine's Day early with a night of laughter, tears, and great cinema with a movie that captures the messy, beautiful chaos of love and life at my next Classic Cinemas Nick's Pix screening on Wednesday, February 12th, at 7 PM at the Lake Theater in Oak Park!


My good friend Monica Eng from Axios Chicago will join me as a co-host, sharing her unique connection to the film. Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

A smiling man in a green jacket and woman in a red coat stand against a colorful, cartoon-like background of rays, clouds, and buildings.
"Away We Go" (2009) with John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph

About the Movie

Some movies stick with you, resonating on a profoundly personal level, and "Away We Go" is one of those for me.


Directed by Sam Mendes and penned by the brilliant Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, this 2009 romantic road comedy-drama is not just a movie—it's an emotional journey. This experience reminds us of life's raw beauty, humor, and chaos.


"Away We Go" stars the pitch-perfect duo of John Krasinski (in his pre- "A Quiet Place" days, best known then as Jim from "The Office") and Maya Rudolph (showcasing her range beyond SNL). Together, they portray Burt and Verona, a couple navigating the uncertainty of impending parenthood, searching for the perfect place to raise their child.


The journey takes them across America, introducing a cast of unforgettable characters played by some of the best in the business—Jeff Daniels, Catherine O'Hara, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Messina, and Melanie Lynskey.


The soundtrack, composed by Alexi Murdoch, is a character in itself. It's hauntingly beautiful, weaving through the story with melodies that elevate the film's emotional core. I'll say it outright: it's one of the best soundtracks of the 2000s.


This movie is about finding "home," not just as a physical place but as an emotional anchor. It's messy, funny, raw, and unapologetically real—a refreshing antidote to the sanitized rom-coms we're so often fed.


Great On Every Level

I'll admit I'm not the guy waving the Sam Mendes flag. Sure, he's done some critically acclaimed work like "American Beauty" (which, sorry, not sorry, I think is one of the most overrated Best Picture winners ever), "Revolutionary Road," and "Skyfall."


But "Away We Go?" This film is the exception. It's Mendes at his most genuine, stripped of the pretension I often associate with his other work.


A considerable part of what makes this film work is the writing. Eggers and Vida didn't shy away from the realities of life—the awkward conversations, the dark humor, the moments when everything feels like it's falling apart.


The dialogue is sharp and natural, full of f-bombs and quirky exchanges that feel plucked from real life. It's the kind of movie that isn't afraid to balance R-rated humor with deeply poignant moments.


And those performances? Krasinski and Rudolph are magnetic. Their chemistry is so authentic and unforced that you almost forget you're watching a movie. They're the kind of couple you root for and secretly wish existed in real life.


The supporting cast is equally stellar—Catherine O'Hara and Jeff Daniels bring hilarity and heartbreak as Burt's offbeat parents, Allison Janney steals every scene she's in, and Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers a wonderfully annoying performance that's just brilliant.


Then there's the sequence with Chris Messina and Melanie Lynskey. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie, but it's one of the most moving, gut-punching moments I've ever seen on film.


What It Means to Me

I was immediately hooked when I first saw "Away We Go" in 2009 at a screening. I saw it again in theaters more than once that year and have revisited it since then countless times. It's one of those movies that makes me cry every single time. Not just a tear or two—I'm talking full-on waterworks. It's that kind of film.


And then there's the music. Alexi Murdoch's songs are like a soundtrack to the soul. Even without the visuals, the music alone will move you. His vocals and melodies linger with you, perfectly capturing the film's spirit.


Mark Your Calendars!

Hosting this screening is a dream come true. Watching "Away We Go" on the big screen is a treat, but sharing it with an audience of fellow movie lovers? That's next-level magic.


As I mentioned, my good friend Monica Eng from Axios Chicago will join me as co-host, sharing her unique connection to the film (it's a great story!)


NIck's Pix "Away We Go"

  • Date: Wednesday, February 12th

  • Time: 7 PM

  • Location: Lake Theater, Oak Park

  • Tickets: Just $9! Get them at classiccinemas.com/nick or call (708) 848-8870.


Why You Should Come

"Away We Go" is one of the sweetest, funniest, and most heartfelt films I've ever seen. It reminds me that life is messy, love is complicated, and even when I feel like a total screw-up, I'm probably doing better than I think.


Check out the trailer for "Away We Go," and we will see you on February 12th at the Lake Theater!

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