Sacramento

I left the theaters about 15-20 minutes ago

I went to see this film because I've found Michael Cera funny in some movies, and the preview suggested a fun buddy-buddy road-trip comedy. As a road trip aficiano myself, I was drawn to the idea of an impromptu road trip to some random city. I could kinda relate

The movie isn't for everyone. At my screening, there were just two people (myself included). By the end, I was alone after the other gentleman walked out before the finish

The movie is a thoughtful adult drama with a little comedy sprinkled. The film is a little dialogue heavy at times. The third act surpasses the first and second acts by a lot. The comedy delivers a few times (usually through Michael Cera's character). Yet overall, the jokes are the sort that will make you mildly chuckle or smile rather than burst out laughing. It's not the funniest movie

Michael Angarano's character is cool at times, but Michael Cera and Maya Erskine's characters get a little annoying from rudeness or awkwardness. When Michael Angarano's character wants to hang out and have fun, Michael Cera's character keep shutting it down to the point where he got irritating. Kristen Stewart is ok, but she doesn't get much screen-time. I was surprised to see former wrestler AJ Lee too

The movie's crux rests upon the fact that Michael Cera and Michael Angarano's characters were best friends who drifted apart. The movie could've given us more about their friendship. Exactly how close were they in the past? What drew them close in the first place? How and why did they drift apart? There were some details offered, such as the dialogue about the car, but it's not enough. I'm not saying that we needed flashbacks, but the film needed some way to flesh out their relationship

But in spite of the above, the movie isn't all bad. The message of the movie, as I take it, centers on the importance of friendships. Both of the leads, played by Michael Cera and Michael Arangano, are anxious and stressed about events in their lives, and the movie essentially shows how their friendship enables them to get through it. It's a sweet message, delivered effectively

The movie kinda reminded me of 2009's "One Week" (starring Joshua Jackson), with some "American Beauty" mixed in

6.5/10.

In likeable buddy dramedy "Sacramento" troubled Michael Angarano (terrific) tricks estranged Los Angeles pal Michael Cera (who has issues of his own - including heavily pregnant wife Kristen Stewart) into a 380 mile road-trip to Sacramento (duh)... for reasons that become apparent downstream. Maya Erskine & AJ Mendez offer good support, and 8yrs after his writer / director debut ("Avenues") Angarano again writes & directs, doing well, especially with the screenplay (co-written with first-timer Christopher Nicholas Smith) that may have too many similarities to "Sideways" to be truly original, but is still enjoyable & engaging. A good movie - props to Angarano.

Sacramento, directed by and starring Michael Angarano, is a road trip comedy that trades slapstick for something more grounded, introspective, and quietly affecting. The film follows two longtime friends, Rickey (Angarano) and Glenn (Michael Cera), as they embark on an impromptu journey from Los Angeles to California's capital. It's a story about navigating the messy anxieties of adulthood-parenthood, grief, and fading friendships-wrapped in a package that's equal parts humorous and heartfelt.

The film's strength lies in its cast. Angarano, pulling triple duty as writer, director, and lead, brings a restless, charismatic energy to Rickey, a man clinging to a free-spirited persona that's starting to fray at the edges. Cera, as Glenn, delivers a performance that feels like a natural evolution of his signature awkward charm, now layered with the weight of impending fatherhood and a need for control. Their chemistry is the film's heartbeat, capturing the push-and-pull of a friendship that's both deeply familiar and increasingly strained. Kristen Stewart, as Glenn's pregnant wife Rosie, and Maya Erskine, as a figure from Rickey's past, add emotional depth in supporting roles, though their limited screen time leaves you wanting more of their nuanced performances.

Angarano's direction keeps things moving at a brisk 84 minutes, with dialogue that's sharp and often bitingly funny, especially when the two leads bicker like an old married couple. The film's visual style is straightforward, leaning on California's sun-drenched highways and Sacramento's understated charm-think Old Town and the Tower Bridge-for atmosphere. While the pacing stumbles in the final act, rushing to tie up loose ends, it doesn't detract from the film's core: a thoughtful exploration of how men grapple with vulnerability and change.

Sacramento isn't breaking new ground in the buddy comedy genre, and it occasionally leans too heavily on familiar tropes. Comparisons to films like Sideways or last year's A Real Pain are inevitable, but it carves out its own space with a sincerity that feels earned. It's not a laugh-out-loud riot but a movie that elicits knowing smiles and the occasional lump in the throat. For anyone who's ever felt stuck between who they were and who they're supposed to become, it's a relatable ride.

Assessment: Sacramento is a charming, if slightly uneven, indie comedy that shines thanks to its strong performances and authentic take on friendship and growing up. It's a solid choice for fans of character-driven stories who don't mind a few narrative bumps along the road.

Rating: 7/10.

Michael Cera spotting. Who unsurprisingly, plays the classic Michael Cera character: sweet, fidgety, awkward, manchild, armed with a deceptive sense of humour. He's one half of this road trip, buddy-buddy flick. Michael number two, Angarano, is the smooth talking, too clever for his own good chum. Young adults with looming responsibilities on a journey to who knows where.

One is escaping, the other is returning, but neither is sure to or from what.

Angarano triple duties with writing and directing credits, is perfect as the affable but dangerous friend from the past. The one that existed as an awesome school foil, but seems oddly out of step in the adult world. Despite their history, the friendship is clumsy, as crucial time has passed. Events too.

Dealing with a pregnancy and a shaky job situation, Cera is in full nervous mother hen mode, but surprisingly agrees to a road adventure with his unscrupulous chum. It is a chance to sort. The duo provides great passive aggressive sparring and physical wrestling as only true friends can. And we have movie.

"Sacramento" turns out to be a classic talkie that explores emotional conflict and relationship struggles seldom tackled for generation Y. Feelings are hurt, lessons are learned, and there is a tidy ending. It comes with just enough funny tickles to bring it all home.

• hipCRANK.

Sacramento (2025) is a very simple buddy comedy movie about two guys going on a road trip in California and it was really fun.

Positives for Sacramento (2025): I'm one of those people who does enjoy his fair share of road trip movie like Planes, Train and Automobiles (1987). The acting is good from Michael Angarano, Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart and Maya Erskine. The comedic chemistry between Angarano and Cera is very good. I also have to give credit to Angarano for his work in the director's chair. There is a lot of humor that worked for me. And finally, this is one of those movies where you can enjoy with a group of friends.

Negatives for Sacramento (2025): The humor isn't going to land for everyone. There are a couple of moments where the character got on my nerves with their insane shenanigans.

Overall, Sacramento (2025) is a nice buddy comedy movie that you will have fun with if you are watching with the right people.