Coming of Age in 'The Spectacular Now'

Navigating through high school, your first love and estranged family members is what many could argue is the reality of adolescence. And though common, these experiences have not quite been played out as authentically as in James Ponsoldt's The Spectacular Now starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley in breakthrough performances.

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"I just think it explores what it's like to be an adolescent in a very real, grounded, human way," Shailene said of the film.

In this not-so-typical coming of age movie, Miles plays Sutter Keely, a hard-partying high school senior whose philosophy on life changes when he meets Shailene's virginal Aimee Finicky. The actors' believable chemistry makes Sutter and Aimee's unlikely romance one to root for.

Watch the video to find out how Miles landed the role over a Budweiser with Ponsoldt and the scene Shailene looks back on with the most anxiety.

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The Spectacular Now hits theaters August 2.