A24 A-to-Z: #5. "The Spectacular Now" (2013)

Scene from The Spectacular Now

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

Review: "Whiplash" is the Most Lovingly Authentic Movie About Drummers and Obsession

Left to right: Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons

It's hard to believe, but there aren't a lot of great movies about drummers. Yes, there are enjoyable movies about bands, but very few focus around the percussive force that often serves as the backbone of their sound. With director Damien Chazelle's Whiplash, things become abundantly clear why this is the case. Drumming is a hard task that involves keeping tempo and maybe even bleeding on the kit. Nonetheless, it is in striving for greatness that the film truly proves itself and with an amazing third act drum solo manages to become a quintessential film about the plights of greatness and while it may be isolating, is also kind of endearing.

Review: "The Spectacular Now" is One of the Most Endearing Looks at Growing Up

Left to right: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley

Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce that with director James Ponsoldt's second feature The Spectacular Now, I am officially calling him one of the best upcoming directors of this decade. Along with Derek Cianfrance (The Place Beyond the Pines), Ponsoldt is a man who knows how to make characters vulnerable in exciting ways that don't detriment the story or rely on cheesy gimmicks. As familiar as coming of age stories are, the Smashed director's follow-up manages to find new ground through alcoholic teen Sutter (Miles Teller) and Amy's (Shailene Woodley) relationship which doesn't so much explore getting older, but the influences that the people in their lives play on their actions.

Is "The Spectacular Now" Too Simple for the Oscars?

Left to right: Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley

Last year, director James Ponsoldt's debut Smashed came out of nowhere only to announce the presence of new talent. It helped to raise potential Oscar nominations for Mary Elizabeth Winstead while painting a picture of alcoholism in a poignant, yet honest light. It is no wonder then that his follow-up The Spectacular Now skyrocketed to the top of my must-see list of 2013. With it opening in limited release August 2, it is as good of a time as any to take a look at the trailer and wonder if the coming of age story is capable of competing with the heavyweights.