Get ready for the feel-good movie of the year with Sacramento, a hilarious and heartfelt road trip comedy about friendship, adulthood, and the unexpected detours life throws our way. When free-spirited Rickey (Michael Angarano) bursts into the settled domestic life of his longtime best friend Glenn (Michael Cera), he drags him on an impromptu journey from Los Angeles to Sacramento that becomes far more than just a drive up I-5. Along the way, these polar opposites will confront their past, their future, and what it truly means to grow up – without growing apart.

From director [Director’s Name], Sacramento blends laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth, featuring standout performances from an incredible ensemble cast. With its mix of quirky characters, beautiful California landscapes, and relatable midlife reflections, this film promises to be the perfect antidote to superhero fatigue – a charming, character-driven story about the friendships that shape our lives.

The Faces Behind Sacramento

1. Michael Angarano as Rickey

Michael Angarano (This Is Us, The Stanford Prison Experiment) shines as Rickey, the lovable man-child whose impulsive road trip idea sets the story in motion. Angarano brings boundless energy to the role, creating a character who’s equal parts infuriating and irresistible – the kind of friend who drives you crazy but you can’t imagine life without. His natural chemistry with real-life partner Maya Erskine translates beautifully to their on-screen dynamic.

The actor revealed he drew inspiration from his own younger self for Rickey’s carefree spirit, while adding layers of vulnerability that emerge as the trip progresses. Watch for his hilarious yet poignant monologue about why he refuses to get a “real job” – a scene that perfectly encapsulates the film’s balance of comedy and heart.

2. Maya Erskine as Tallie

Pen15 co-creator Maya Erskine delivers another unforgettable performance as Tallie, Rickey’s exasperated but devoted girlfriend. Erskine brings her signature blend of sharp wit and emotional authenticity to the role, particularly in scenes where she’s both charmed and frustrated by Rickey’s antics. Her phone arguments with Rickey during the trip provide some of the film’s biggest laughs.

Off-screen, Erskine’s real pregnancy during filming was written into the story, adding unexpected depth to Tallie’s concerns about Rickey’s maturity. Her performance reaches new heights in a quiet motel scene where she expresses her fears about parenthood – a moment that will resonate with anyone facing major life changes.

3. Michael Cera as Glenn

In what might be his best role since Juno, Michael Cera is perfectly cast as Glenn, the settled homebody reluctantly pulled into Rickey’s adventure. Cera’s masterful deadpan delivery contrasts beautifully with Angarano’s exuberance, creating a classic comedy duo for the millennial age. His portrayal of a man quietly yearning for his carefree youth while embracing domesticity is both funny and deeply moving.

Cera reportedly did extensive “research” for the role by actually taking a road trip with Angarano before filming, and their authentic friendship shines through in every scene. Don’t miss Glenn’s breakdown at a roadside diner – a hilarious yet cathartic moment that showcases Cera’s range.

4. Michael Angarano Sr. as Sal

In a delightful bit of casting, Michael Angarano’s real-life father plays Sal, Rickey’s eccentric uncle who provides unexpected wisdom (and a vintage convertible) for the journey. The elder Angarano brings a wonderful gruff charm to the role, with impeccable comic timing that suggests the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Their real father-son dynamic adds poignancy to their scenes together, particularly when Sal shares stories about his own youthful adventures. It’s a performance that will make you wish your uncle was this cool.

5. Bunny Levine as Mrs. Krenshaw

Veteran character actress Bunny Levine (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) steals every scene she’s in as the boys’ former high school teacher who they unexpectedly visit along the way. Levine delivers the film’s most surprising emotional gut-punch in a quiet moment where she reveals how much she remembers about her former students.

At 87 years young, Levine reportedly improvised many of her funniest lines, including a priceless bit about how teaching has changed since the boys were in school. Hers is a small but unforgettable role.

6. Amber Riat as Tatted Up Employee

Amber Riat (Never Have I Ever) makes a strong impression as a no-nonsense gas station employee who becomes an unlikely sounding board for Glenn’s midlife crisis. Riat’s dry delivery and visible tattoos (all real) create an instantly memorable character in just a few short scenes.

Her deadpan reaction to Rickey’s attempt to pay for snacks with “good vibes” might be the film’s biggest laugh. Hollywood should take note – this rising star deserves more screen time.

7. Shea Gorely as Baby Ray

Child actor Shea Gorely makes an adorable debut as Baby Ray, the infant son of one of Rickey’s old friends they visit along the way. Gorely’s natural screen presence (and ability to cry on cue) adds unexpected emotional weight to a scene where Rickey holds him for the first time.

The filmmakers reportedly went through hundreds of auditions before finding Gorely, whose expressive eyes tell a story all their own. Keep an eye out for his hilarious spit-take moment.

8. Daniel Edward Mora as Bob

Daniel Edward Mora (Gentefied) brings warmth and humor to the role of Bob, an old college buddy whose seemingly perfect life isn’t quite what it appears. Mora’s performance subtly reveals the quiet disappointments behind Bob’s Instagram-perfect facade, particularly in a late-night heart-to-heart around a fire pit.

His character’s beautiful yet modest home (actually Mora’s real house) provides one of the film’s most visually stunning sequences as the friends watch the sunset over the valley.

9. Nora Sczudlo as Baby Geoff

In a brilliant bit of gender-blind casting, baby Nora Sczudlo plays Geoff, another friend’s child who becomes an unwitting participant in Rickey’s schemes. Sczudlo’s natural curiosity and fearless approach to the camera make her brief scenes unforgettable.

The diaper-changing sequence featuring Geoff may go down as one of the funniest in road trip movie history, thanks largely to Sczudlo’s perfect comic timing (and some well-timed flatulence).

10. Leon Angarano as Toddler Ray

Completing the Angarano family trifecta, Michael’s nephew Leon appears as Toddler Ray in flashforward sequences that bookend the film. The young actor’s uncanny resemblance to his uncle adds a layer of meta-commentary about family and legacy.

His final scene, where he recreates one of Rickey’s signature dance moves, provides the perfect sweet ending to this heartfelt comedy.