The Spectacular Now has all the makings of a typical high school movie, lovable guy, likes to party, slacks off in school, and can attract the attention of any girl he wants.   Casting the charming Miles Teller as Sutter Keely in this lead role already contrasts the typical high school leading man. He may not be the blonde hair muscle jock you would think for this role instead his good looks grow on you with the charisma he exudes. His girlfriend breaks up with him and after a night of drinking he ends up passed out on a random lawn, awakened by Aimee, played flawlessly by Shailene Woodley. Aimee is an average high schooler who recognizes Sutter but Sutter is not quite sure who Aimee is. Possibly being still drunk and unaware of where his car is he asks to help her deliver her papers around the neighborhood in hopes of finding it. He’s quickly drawn to her and asks her out. Aimee isn’t accustomed to high school parties and drinking but she too is drawn to Sutter and eagerly accepts any proposition he makes. As the two grow closer they learn of each other’s family woes, which increases the bond they are forming. They may have distant parents in common but Aimee has ambitions, whereas Sutter focuses on the now. He’s enjoying life and does not want to worry about what the future holds. He instead holds onto the past, which is the cause of his lack of ambition. A nonexistent father has left a void in Sutter’s life that he is longing to fill. Aimee attempts to fill that void for him but ultimately it’s up to Sutter to stop hiding behind his flask and look into the future. Is he able to stay with Aimee or will he eventually push her aside and continue enjoying the now moments? Miles and Shailene have such a natural flow in every scene that you could not imagine anyone else in their roles. James Ponsoldt has director a wonderful story of two people finding and helping each other go beyond the now. It’s clear Sutter is masking his sadness and with no father around and a mother working hard to support her son he’s left alone. His teacher, his boss, his girlfriend and the audience, all feel for this boy. You want him to succeed but he’s the only one who can change that. When he finally shows his pain you are right there with him, tears and all.