At Middleton

I saw this film in a movie review book. 

I like Vera Farmiga and Andy Garcia and the concept of two parents (from different marriages) going out on their own while their children are on a college tour [thus the title] sounded interesting. A good mature adult comedy drama. And, overall, it was.

[Okay. I do feel like Vera Farmiga is someone I like as an actress but other than one film where she had a relatively minor role, it is unclear where I saw her. Other than multiple films that I know she is in but did not watch. She definitely seems like a cool person from watching her in this film.] 

If you think the mom-daughter pair look alike, it isn't just good casting. They are actually sisters though the difference in age is significant enough that they could be mom/daughter in real life. Taissa Farmiga later starred in various horror projects.  

The film is focused on the parents but we also see how the two children experience the tour in different ways. The two parents have some light moments but also have to address some serious struggles they are having.* The son comes off as the least interesting.  

There is a stereotypical marijuana moment that is over quicker than it would seem to warrant though they later carefully have the children drive them home.** I probably could have done without the scene but it was okay overall. And, the set-up is done well. 

I enjoyed the film and it was one of those nice little surprises that you come upon. Looking over some of the Wikipedia reviews, sure, it is not some classic work of art. The plot is overall not surprising. 

However, it is done enjoyably and with talent, including helping us pretend they are on an actual college tour. Good cast overall, including some nice supporting characters. Always a good part of a successful film. Good overall pace. The whole thing rings true overall, the two stars have very good chemistry, and multiple scenes are impressive. 

There was an outburst by the mother (also a bit forced) and the embarrassment by the daughter with the professor that was unpleasant to watch. I muted/sped along one and largely skipped the other. 

I had no real problems with the rest of the film though the marijuana scene was a bit much and a scene in a fountain was also a bit forced. Also, not sure if they looked that wet afterward. Might be a continuity error. However, both of those things weren't too bad.  

There is a DVD commentary track with Andy Garcia (also one of the producers), the writer/director, and another writer/producer. Interesting. 

The film is from 2013. 

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* The daughter is a bit too overhyped about going to college and is upset when her favorite professor bursts her bubble. She tries to call her mom but she is unfortunately getting high and dealing with things. 

Parents do deserve to have some time to get through their own stuff. It's good to have some "me time." Your child will be able to handle things for a few hours especially if they still can just call their dad. 

** The children don't seem to pick up that their parents had recently been smoking marijuana. OTOH, again, the effects seemed to be over rather quickly.