By Rachel Mercer, News Correspondent

A certain skepticism accompanied going to see ‘Away We Go’ for many reasons: Would John Krasinski be able to break out of his role as Jim Halpert from ‘The Office?’ Have we not driven the ‘unexpected pregnancy’ theme into the ground? Could viewers still have faith in director Sam Mendes (‘Revolutionary Road,’ ‘Jarhead’) after his recent work?
Surprisingly, though, all preconceived notions were shattered by this solid independent romantic comedy.
The film, written by Dave Eggers, follows a 30-something unwed and expecting couple, Burt Farlander (Krasinski) and Verona De Tessant (Maya Rudolph), as the two travel around the country visiting friends and searching for the perfect place to start their family.
Hilarity ensues as we meet the awkward teachers: a positively toxic mother, a new-age mom who inexplicably hates strollers and a seemingly-perfect couple who have raised children who could rival the Trapp Family Singers.
Through it all, Mendes artfully weaves a colorful tale, punctuated with comedy, and makes sense of his greater message of human connection.
For those who aren’t fans of indie films, this movie requires a bit of patience ‘- it is mired in cliches early on. The uninspired soundtrack overuses the acoustic guitar in an attempt to pull on audience heartstrings.
However, the acting in this film certainly carries it forward. Krasinski plays a familiar character in the goofy-but-sensitive-boyfriend role, while Jim Gaffigan makes a surprising appearance as a suburban dad with a penchant for monologues.
Because the humor in the film ranges from poignant to very broad, it is slightly off-putting. But toward the middle of the movie, the humor was consistently well executed. The humor does much to lighten the overall mood of the film, which grapples with some serious issues.
The movie is sprinkled with contemplative moments and statements, frequently internalized by the average young adult, which jarringly come to life on screen.
Viewers witness the characters suffer a crisis of self, realizing that they haven’t even figured out what they call the ‘basics in life.’
These 30-something college graduates live paycheck to paycheck and are now facing the unexpected responsibilities that come with raising a child.
The questions they confront are ones to which all college students can relate. Students who face the uncertain future post-graduation, with the safety net of school whipping out from underneath their feet ‘- there’s a sudden floundering, an attempt to find some solid footing, and they eventually right themselves.
In the film, the characters go through a similar process while also providing a poignant commentary on the bonds of relationships and young adulthood.
‘Away We Go’ is offbeat enough to feel like a breakthrough indie but familiar and warm enough to serve as the thinking person’s romantic comedy. It is thoroughly enjoyable and stands alone as one of Mendes most lighthearted works.