Adventureland (2009)
"Adventureland" is not a film that is going to wow its audiences with big laughs or A-list talent. While the movie is slow and predictable, it manages to please on many levels. It's refreshing that Hollywood is willing to release films that provide more than just trite sentiment regarding youth relationships. The script, written by Motolla, is often sharp and funny, and the characters are believable, even though most are two-dimensional. For the majority of the film, it is runs from being funny to very funny, thanks to the antics of Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig, who partially steal the show. The rest of the "Adventureland" is serious and emotional. The tightrope between comedy and drama is a difficult one to walk and many of the dramatic scenes come off as forced. The director, Motolla manages to show the awkwardness of the main character to great effect. Unlike many teen comedies, the producers let the writer, who directed "Superbad", take the helm. Motolla doesn't simply turn the camera on, but knows how to mine for laughter, and how to direct actors into giving realistic performances. From the direction to the cinematography to the editing, the film is well-made. As with all films, it is the acting that ties the whole thing together. Kristen Stewart gives the best performance, balancing humor, sadness and anxiety well, and creating the deepest character in the film. Jesse Eisenberg gives a strong performance and is successful in making the audience forget that he is acting. The rest of the cast all gives good performances that make the film feel realistic. "Adventureland" pushes us in an altogether different direction, running us through the pain, laughter, and desperation of young-adulthood.
- My Rating: 7.00/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (7.3/10)
- IMDb: 7.2/10
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