The Spectacular Now- Teen Movie Review

“Opposites attract,” is a popular quote which definitely applies to high school seniors Sutter and Aimee. Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) is the life of the party, a boy who wants to embrace life, live in the now, and not worry about the future. This fun loving boy, unexpectedly falls in love with “good girl” Aimee Finecky (Shailene Woodley). Aimee likes to read, doesn’t drink or even go to parties, and wants to plan for the future. Things get complicated as these young lovers try to contend with the struggles and confusion of being teenagers. The Spectacular Now is a dramatic film, one that mature teens may find interesting and entertaining.

Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: January 14, 2014
MPAA Rating: R
Best Age Group: 16+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will it Appeal to Teens: Yes

Talking Points:

There are many issues in the film that teenagers may relate to. Sutter is afraid of failure, and what the future may hold. He’s a senior in high school who doesn’t want to become an adult. He gradually changes, and in the end he says, “It’s fine to live in the now. But the best thing about now is that there’s another one tomorrow. I’m going to start making them count.”

Both Sutter and Aimee try to help each other become better people. Sutter advises Aimee on how to confront her controlling mom. Aimee convinces Sutter to contact his father, whom he hadn’t seen in years.

The film could spark some great parent/child conversations as issues of teenage sex and drinking are highlighted.

Sexual Content: Moderate

• There is a sex scene with Sutter and Aimee. They are in bed and the covers are over them, but we see explicit sexual movements.
• We see Aimee in her bra.
• While Aimee and Sutter are dating, Sutter goes to his ex-girlfriend’s house and tries to seduce her, however she refuses.

Violent Content: Mild

• Sutter and Aimee get into an argument while he’s driving drunk, and they get into an accident.

Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

• We hear the f-word about 20 times, and sometimes; “mother f—er.” We also hear “sh-t,” “d–n,” “h—,” and “d–k.”

Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive

• We see Sutter drinking whiskey out of a flask at school, work, parties, and even driving.
• Sutter takes Aimee to a high school party where there is a keg. When he offers her a drink, initially she’s not interested. However, Sutter advises her to carry the red plastic cup around so she’ll fit in.
• Sutter gets Aimee a flask, and she begins drinking like he does…and enjoying it.

Will it Appeal to Teens: Yes

Overall The Spectacular Now is film that mature teens may find interesting and entertaining. However, parents need to be aware of the teenage drinking and sex in the film.

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