Review of Adventureland (2009) by Timothy S — 28 Jan 2012

There are still enough dirty jokes in "Adventureland" to appeal to the frat boy crowd, but more importantly, the film represents a maturity in writer/director Greg Mottola's young career. It's a big step for him, much like "Chasing Amy" took Kevin Smith's game to the next level, and this is one of my favorite films of the year so far.

There are a lot of funny moments that involve working at a dead-end job, but none of them are easy jokes. They work because you grow to love these sharply written and real characters. Mottola has assembled a perfectly varied team of actors here, and everyone gives their all and has their moment or two to really shine, even down to the most supporting of supporting actors.

"Saturday Night Live" veterans Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig are predictably hilarious as the park managers, and after a large handful of films in which he's been just another pretty face, Ryan Reynolds finally comes into his own with an actual performance here. But as good as he is, the real stars here are Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart in the leads. They're both naturals in front of the camera, and they both play their characters smart. It's a real pleasure watching their relationship grow.

Having grown up during the time in which this film is set, I can vouch for its authenticity. Mottola has a great eye for detail, and this isn't an obviously '80's movies like the John Hughes films. This is genuine. "Adventureland" could have been yet another forgettable gross-out picture, but this has heart.