Review of Adventureland (2009) by George D — 29 Jun 2014

I love coming of age stories and this is a great one. Jessie Eisenberg continues to grow on me and he really shines here, playing the role of James, an intelligent and timid young man who discovers another side of life via a hilariously monotonous summer job. He smokes weed, drinks beer, finds himself in typical college shenanigans and of course, meets a beautiful girl. Kristen Stewart is really sexy as Em, the distance in her eyes; a feature normally criticized in her performances really works here. Her look betrays hesitance and uncertainty, instead of the usual boredom. She is mysterious, tortured and hiding a lot of pain behind those eyes. And like any coming of age film, your rooting the whole way for the two leads to come together, without it feeling predictable or formulaic, it just feels real.

The film's characters have a delightful familiarity, and its supporting cast adds a lot of texture. Especially Martin Starr, the pipe smoking "pragmatic nihilist" who shows James the ropes at the game station of Adventureland. Ryan Reynolds oozes the older cool guy swagger as the handsome rocker who is doomed to mediocrity. Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig are a great as the cheap, eccentric park managers. Even though they are working primarily as a comedy element, they are constant pillars of support and friendliness. A lot of elements in this film are like that, typical Midwest, easily relatable. Who hasn't known a renowned beauty that is venerated by all men, like Lisa P in this film, or the mentally challenged ticket taker, or an annoying neighbor like Frigo? This movie is filled with really great American iconography, capturing the essence of lethargic mid-summer nights. This movie also does the 80's right, it's got a phenomenal soundtrack of hits as well as underground classics from the Replacements (one of my personal favorites), Lou Reed and Big Star.

This is a movie about disappointment giving way to an opportunity. It's about making the best of things and having new experiences. It's a deeply personal film from Gregg Mottla, but what takes it to another level, is that it resonates with everyone.