American films often feature characters who haven’t fully matured, which is quite characteristic of America. However, it’s not common to find an entertaining independent comedy that delves into the struggles of adult life – situations where individuals, despite their age, remain stuck in a youthful mindset and consider traditional grown-up responsibilities such as maintaining employment or caring for others as tasks that are too complex for them.
The movie “Sacramento” is an unpredictable and clever production. It’s often categorized as a road comedy, although it pushes the boundaries of that definition. If we consider a road comedy to be a genre where two long-time friends, who might not even be on good terms anymore, embark on a journey, then “Sacramento” fits the bill. In this case, the friends hop into an old gold Chrysler Imperial – a car they used to share in their youth – and travel from Los Angeles to Sacramento, a journey that takes approximately six hours but is condensed into around 25 minutes of screen time.
What’s their reason for traveling there? In a contemporary take on what was once known as mumblecore (perhaps we should update and rename this now-antiquated genre, calling it chattercore), the story revolves around Glenn (portrayed by Michael Cera), a settled-down, nerdy conservative living in L.A., and his longtime friend Rickey (played by Michael Angarano), who unexpectedly appears. Rickey embodies the reckless spirit, as he’s transformed his reluctance to mature into a chaotic and even erratic lifestyle.
To begin with, let me confess I’ve got a knack for spinning tales, but the yarn spun by Rickey is nothing short of extraordinary. He persuaded Glenn to embark on this journey under the pretext of honoring his late father’s wish – spreading his ashes in the ocean off Sacramento. However, there are a couple of inconsistencies in this heart-tugging narrative. Firstly, Sacramento is landlocked and doesn’t have an ocean nearby. Secondly, when we paused at a convenience store, Rickey swiftly transformed a tennis ball canister into a container for what he claimed was his father’s ashes – a rather unusual choice, don’t you think?
The entire journey appears to be built on a deception. Yet, Glenn, who’s known for his honesty, seems to be hiding something as well. He hasn’t disclosed to Rickey that his wife, Rosie, portrayed by the straightforward Kristen Stewart, is eight months pregnant. (Rickey, noticing the sides of a crib in the backyard, has deduced this.) Although Rosie takes it all in stride, Glenn is panicking. It’s expected for fathers-to-be to act this way, but in “Sacramento,” the impending fatherhood seems like an overwhelming adult responsibility to Glenn. He’s a caring millennial husband, yet the reality of what’s coming isn’t settling with him. This uncertainty is causing him a suppressed breakdown.
Subsequently, the dreaded event unfolds: He finds himself unemployed, presumably working for a technology firm undergoing significant downsizing. Here’s to the next phase of maturity.
Beyond delivering a sharp, captivating portrayal as Rickey, similar to Kieran Culkin’s fast-talking, bearded character with sociopathic leanings in “A Real Pain,” Michael Angarano not only starred but also directed and co-wrote the film “Saramento.” He demonstrates a self-assured and energetic approach to filmmaking, albeit in an endearing, unpolished, almost haphazard manner. Unlike conventional road trip films (thankfully), he refrains from creating overly adorable episodes. Instead, he focuses on revealing these characters’ complexities – the deep bond of friendship, the maturing cynicism, and their reckless behavior. Upon reaching Sacramento, they drop into a bar where they meet two women, AJ Mendez and Iman Karram, who run a fighting gym. This encounter offers a glimpse into their past antics, possibly vying for the same women, to fuel their competitive camaraderie.
As a film enthusiast, I must admit that the nostalgia trip is enticing, but it’s the present-day struggles that truly capture my attention. You see, Rickey isn’t just reminiscing about the old days; he’s grappling with a new role – fatherhood. Yet, he hasn’t taken responsibility for his child, abandoning the mother, Tallie. The reality of growing up has hit him hard, and he’s unsure if Tallie even wants him back in her life. The idea of his rights never crosses his mind. This is the harsh reality of adulthood. To navigate through this tumultuous phase, Rickey and Glenn must dig deep into each other’s flawed identities, their unique brands of misfit-hood.
In this production, Angarano may grab the spotlight, but it’s Michael Cera who truly shines, demonstrating his acting prowess like never before. Initially, when you witness him with his scruffy beard, you might assume he’s merely portraying an older version of the Michael Cera we once knew. However, what I saw was a transformation. He exuded a less mocking, more grounded aura, and embarked on a riskier journey. This character was etched with pain and yearning for joy. For years now, Michael Cera has been making waves in the TV and indie scenes. Yet, if Hollywood is serious about producing authentic films, there could be a significant role for him to play.
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2025-04-12 09:46