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Michael Angarano & Michael Cera Are Perfect in ‘Sacramento’
Sacramento serves up a humor-filled exploration of adulthood as two estranged best friends navigate their way through life on a spontaneous road trip. The film, crafted by writer, director, and co-star Michael Angarano, brilliantly captures the essence of maturation, emphasizing that growing up doesn’t happen automatically. The narrative highlights pivotal moments when juvenile behavior collides with adult responsibilities, prompting reflection on one’s character. It effectively conveys the importance of seeking support and the vulnerability associated with feeling lost.
In a serene lakeside setting, Rickey (Michael Angarano) unexpectedly encounters another hiker, Tallie (Maya Erskine), who encourages him to swim towards her. The scene transitions to Los Angeles, where Glenn (Michael Cera) grapples with assembling a crib for his soon-to-arrive child. Frustrated by the shaky railing, he shakes it until the crib collapses in disarray.
Glenn’s wife, Rosie (Kristen Stewart), finds him in a state of panic and attempts to guide him through breathing exercises. She gently criticizes him for his inability to handle simple tasks. A voicemail from Rickey interrupts, revealing Glenn’s reluctance to reconnect with his childhood friend, who has been a source of immature antics. However, when Glenn spies Rickey hiding in a tree, his instinctive response is to evade him, showcasing his struggle with confrontation.
Boys Masquerading as Men
3.5 /5
Release Date
April 11, 2025
Runtime
84 minutes
Producers
Eric B. Fleischman, Sam Grey, Chris Abernathy
Pros & Cons
- Strong performances from Angarano and Cera as contrasting personalities
- Creative and engaging cinematography
- Effectively portrays the nuances of adult maturation
- Underutilized performances from Stewart and Erskine; a longer runtime could have enhanced the film
Rosie insists that Glenn join her outside, where Rickey spots the destroyed crib but pretends to be unaware of the impending baby. He insists on getting together for lunch, and Glenn reluctantly agrees, hoping to finalize their friendship. The lunch is filled with tension, leading to a spontaneous decision by Rickey to drive to Sacramento for a change of scenery. Glenn, initially compliant, quickly retreats, overwhelmed by the necessity to support Rosie.
As the trip unfolds, Rickey implores Glenn for a substantial favor, yet Glenn is skeptical about the veracity of Rickey’s claims.
Angarano and Cera portray a pair of friends struggling with their identities as they confront their responsibilities and fears. Rickey positions himself as an informal counselor, despite lacking real qualifications or experience, while Glenn, although married, feels completely unprepared for fatherhood and anxiously flounders under the pressure.
Sacramento reveals deeper layers after a light-hearted opening act, with Rickey hiding significant truths that he cannot face alone, while Glenn avoids sharing his burdens, which heightens the drama between them as they communicate without truly understanding one another.
Michael Angarano & Michael Cera Are Perfect in ‘Sacramento’
Michael Angarano brings substantial experience, with credentials spanning over 70 film and television projects. His vast background allows for deft camerawork that captures both foreground and background activities seamlessly. In one notable scene, Glenn sits obliviously at a diner while Rickey’s questionable actions unfold unnoticed behind him, showcasing the film’s comedic timing.
With a knack for portraying quirky characters, Cera’s performance drives the plot to a humorous climax, offering insight into Glenn’s internal struggles and fears about fatherhood. Rickey ultimately emerges as a pivotal support, emphasizing that dependency on friends during difficult times is a natural and necessary aspect of life.
Despite its enticing narrative, Sacramento finishes on the quicker side, running just 84 minutes. More screen time could have allowed for a deeper exploration into the roles played by Erskine and Stewart, who add significant value in their roles as the mature counterparts. The film, presented by Bee-Hive Production and The Wonder Company, made its debut at the Village East by Angelika Theater as part of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival’s US Narrative Competition. It arrives in theaters on April 11, 2025, under the distribution of Vertical.
Source
movieweb.com