Thursday, June 17, 2010

"Adventureland"- a nice movie

“Adventureland” is a 2009 comedy-drama film written and directed by Greg Mottola, director of Superbad. The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Margarita Levieva, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig.


For a plot summary, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventureland.

“Adventureland” is an enjoyable film about two young adults who, because of family issues, work together in an amusement park. The two main characters, James (Eisenburg) and Em (Stewart) fall in love, and, of course, mature in the process. Eisenburg plays James as a low-keyed guy who most parents would likely be happy to have their daughter married. Stewart plays Em as slightly depressed and angry at her father, who she feels remarried to quickly after her mother died of cancer. They are absolutely believable.

The film was billed as a comedy but it really is a love story. Maybe the studio was afraid that it would drive viewers away if they knew it was not a “Superbad”-inspired sex comedy. But this is a far better movie.

There are a few misfires in the film. The first is Ryan Reynolds. But, then he is a misfire in every movie he is in. His training as a Keanu Reeves wannabe really shines through. The other misfire is the Matt Bush character. His sole purpose in life seems to be hitting James in the privates. Maybe the director thought it was hilarious or maybe I am missing something.

“Adventureland” was filmed in Pittsburgh, including at its famous Kennywood amusement park.

I highly recommend this movie. It’s not profound, but for the most part, it is enjoyable and a gentle love story.

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