Movies

Old friends on different trajectories reunite in ‘Sacramento,’ a comedy with wisdom

BBG News

Throughout films such as “Road to” series and buddy action movies, as well as bromances, there’s a recurring theme of male friendships serving comedic purposes. Over time, this trope has tended to favor portrayals of immaturity as a form of catharsis. The dynamic often evolved from “smart versus stupid” to “stupid hates smart,” with the latter becoming quite prevalent.

In many movies, male friendships are often used for humor, and they typically show immature behavior as a way to relieve tension. Over time, this has changed to a dynamic where one character is portrayed as being stupid and hating smart characters, which has become quite common.

Recently, it’s become rather wearying to see grown men behaving childishly for comedic effect. However, the old-friends-in-crisis comedy “Sacramento,” directed by actor-turned-writer-director Michael Angarano, offers a bittersweet jolt that resonates. This film delves into the humor and painfully accurate aspects of growing up.

In this story, Angarano, who co-wrote the script along with Chris Smith, takes on the role of Rickey – a carefree, youthful character who unexpectedly pays a visit to his old friend Glenn, portrayed by Michael Cera. This surprise arrival comes after we’ve already been introduced to Glenn: a man who is loving yet slightly tense, anxious, and dependent, as demonstrated beautifully by Michael Cera. His wife, Rosie, played by Kristen Stewart, adds depth with her understated portrayal of a supportive spouse, hinting at the opportunities she’s had to prepare for motherhood before its arrival.

Rickey prefers them to take a trip down memory lane filled with laughter and joy – he’s even discovered the old tan Chrysler LeBaron they used to drive. Glenn is hesitant about going back, let alone embracing past eccentricities since parenthood is on the horizon. Immediately, the mismatched duo of Angarano and Cera skillfully portray the tension in their awkward reunion. Rickey’s demeanor is lighthearted but appears subtly troubled by unfulfilled hopes, such as when he playfully scolds Glenn: “Relax, you haven’t made a joke yet.” In contrast, Glenn’s critical attitude serves as its own concern. He often boasts about keeping his phone on silent to “stay focused.

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As the atmosphere lightens, Rickey confides about his father’s recent passing, inviting me on a road trip to scatter his ashes at the city named in the title. I agree, understanding that grown people stand by those in distress. However, it becomes evident something is amiss when, out of my sight, Rickey swiftly replaces the tennis balls with dirt he gathered from the roadside.

In Sacramento, for quite some time now, the carefree laughter has originated from an unusual mix of characters – a particular type of man stuck in limbo. Their social skills have deteriorated, leading to an odd collision of priorities and temperaments. Whether it’s play-fighting or bar-hopping with women, or trying to understand each other better, neither one can truly discern what brings joy or insight anymore. They merely attempt to hide the oppressive burden of approaching responsibilities beneath their actions.

Rickey, always sporting a forced smile and acting youthful for show, aims to use his charm to float in blissful ambiguity. On the other hand, Glenn, reminiscent of Michael Cera’s characters with unjustified self-assurance, talks himself into believing he has control over his destiny.

However, as the film uncovers Rickey’s complex predicament – an unresolved past with Maya Erskine, an ex-lover – its comedic tone shifts, transforming into a heartfelt and slightly eerie exploration of self-deception. Erskine’s knack for salt-and-vinegar wit and genuine emotional depth makes her a national gem. Fortunately, her real-life spouse (Angarano) understands this and delivers a brilliant performance that captures why her straightforward character’s candid third-act revelations are the catalyst for the sincerity required to bring “Sacramento” to a convincingly quirky (yet still enjoyable) end.

The film equally demonstrates that its female characters don’t exist solely for the purpose of rescuing others, but rather to prompt these good-natured men to reflect on their self-importance. As the sharp humor unveils the breakdown of typical male behavior, it evolves into a form of insight, which “Sacramento” is rich in.

In this version, I’ve attempted to maintain the original meaning while using more conversational language and a clearer structure to make it easier for readers to comprehend.

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2025-04-12 04:01

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