Review of Adventureland (2009) by Fred F — 25 Jul 2016
Considering the talented cast of Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Martin Star, Ryan Reynolds and Jessie Eisenberg, I hoped for a funnier movie. There are scattered laughs along the way, but this is primarily a coming of age romantic and drama.
The story is about a high-school senior forced by his parents into getting a summer job. He goes to work for the local amusement park. Working there is no fun, but the staff forms a unique mixed community of teenagers floating through their summer.
Once there he meets a girl he likes, but he unknowingly gets into a complicated situation. It is messy and lifelike; each character has their own dreams, insecurities and struggles. Nothing is perfect and there is not a storybook finish, but it is good-natured.
The characters and story seem real and honest. Jessie Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart capture what is like to be a confused teen full of nerves, lacking self-esteem, and excited for attention and potential love.
An uneventful story does not do it any favors; it relies solely on the dialogue and interactions between the characters. Using the comedic talents of the cast could greatly improve this movie, but it chooses a quieter subtle approach.
The amusement park setting has more potential to influence the story, but it is merely incidental, for the most part. At least, it is from the heart and not full of blatant clichés.
This review of Adventureland (2009) was written by Fred F on 25 Jul 2016.
Adventureland has generally received positive reviews.
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