Film Review: ‘Sacramento’ is a Lighthearted Comedy that Eventually Finds a Lovely Vein of Profundity

There’s a much simpler version of Sacramento that I’m sure could have easily been the writing and directing debut of actor Michael Angarano. It would be a charming little star vehicle, without question. However, it would only be that. Here, we have a film with a bit more on its mind, while still having all of the comedy charm inherent in the road trip coming of age premise. The end result? A movie with more to offer than you might initially expect. Consider me pleasantly surprised.

Sacramento is a slight subversion of the tropes we see all too often in stories of young men coming of age. Here, Angarano makes impending fatherhood part of the story, whereas these sorts of tales of arrested development wouldn’t usually dare to look that far ahead. The further the flick goes on, the more laughs we have, sure, but also the more heart that’s on display too.

After a prologue introduces us to the meet cute of Rickey (Angarano) and Tallie (Maya Erskine), we enter into the life of Rickey’s childhood friend Glenn (Michael Cera). Married to Rosie (Kristen Stewart), with a baby on the way, all should be great. However, Glenn is settled into domesticity, yet frets about every little thing, pregnancy and otherwise. So, when Rickey shows up unannounced at Glenn’s door, he’s none too pleased, considering how he’s been trying to phase him out of his life, to the point of not telling him about impending fatherhood. Rosie is happy to have her husband out of her hair for a bit, so encourages the hang. An awkward lunch becomes an impromptu roadtrip, as Rickey wants to take Glenn up to Sacramento.

Realizing that this isn’t just talk but an actual thing his friend wants to do, Glenn freaks out. It’s only when Rickey reveals that he’s going up there to scatter the ashes of his recently deceased father does he give in, spurred on by Rosie. However, the trip is one issue after the next, with Glenn a ball of anxiety, especially as he notices the lie upon lie Rickey has about what they’re actually doing on the trip. That is, until he comes clean, explaining that it involves Tallie. From there, things start to get a bit profound, though still consistently amusing.

Michael Angarano and Michael Cera have really enjoyable chemistry together, while Kristen Stewart elevates all of her scenes just on talent alone. Stewart isn’t asked to do a lot, but she has the charm and charisma to make Rosie instantly lovable, especially with her droll way of interacting with Cera’s Glenn. Watching Angarano be a bit of a scamp, a man-child who you want to root for, as well as Cera play a more mature, yet just as neurotic type of character he became famous for, is a lot of fun. They don’t ignore the weight of certain situations, but they always find the dry comedy. Maya Erskine is very solid too, though she has the least screen time of the quartet. Supporting players here includes A.J. Mendez, though Angarano and Cera are clearly the focus.

Making his filmmaking debut, co-writer/director Michael Angarano impresses. The screenplay he penned with Chris Smith never tries to make things too cute, while his direction is supremely confident. It’s a road trip comedy, so there are beats that need to be hit, but it always feels like this flick is up to something a little bit different. There’s a genuine curiosity about what will happen next that fuels the narrative. Well paced, with a lean running time, it all builds to a very touching conclusion, sending you out on a high. The film just works, plain and simple.

Sacramento could have been too sleight or too quirky, but Angarano makes the mixture just right. I’ve always enjoyed him as an actor, though now I very much look forward to what he does as a filmmaker next. This is the type of movie that I tend to gravitate towards when done well, and this is done very well, so consider this a very enthusiastic recommendation.

SCORE: ★★★1/2