The movie wasn't smart enough to deal with the interesting protagonists it started with, and so it reverted to trope.

There are scenes, moments, and dialogue in this film that ring so true that it all comes rushing back, a flood of memories and emotions and a little bit of pain.

[Ponsoldt] enjoys playing with our expectations by following conventions, luring us into the sense that we know what's coming, and then swerving just a little off-road for a detour.

There’s a spectacular performance hovering around the edges of The Spectacular Now, and it belongs to Shailene Woodley.