Review of Adventureland (2009) by Tibor B — 09 Jan 2012

A fabulous little coming of age film, as trite as that sounds, perfectly capturing the excitement, ennui, trials and tribulations of young people, here in 80s Pittsburgh centred around a rundown "Fun"park.

Eisenberg in some ways is more likeable than that other go-to dork Michael Cera, with his mixture of aloof intellectualism, heart-on-sleeve naivety and genuine passion here working well to create a nicely rounded character.

Kristen Stewart impresses the most, proving just how little material the Twilight saga gives her as she proves to be a very talented young actress indeed with perhaps the most complex character here. There's some good broader laughs to be had with the supporting cast too, and the 80s indie rock soundtrack is pitch perfect.

Some may find the final reel ending too conventional and too perfect, and whilst I do tend towards preferring the hard reality melancholy touch, I felt the characters really deserved their positive start to adult life together.