Review of Superbad (2007) by Meredith W — 08 Dec 2012

This takes a page from Sixteen Candles, updates it for 2007, and elevates it to the max in this hysterical and heartfelt tale about some losers trying to have one epic final party before graduating and moving on to the next step.

It's quite a simple set up: Evan and Seth have a chance to finally get laid, and all it's gonna take is a bunch of booze. That's where geek Fogell comes in. He's got a fake ID, but what should be a quick trip to the liquor store turns into a wild adventure that nuts keeps getting nuttier and nuttier as it progresses.

I've enjoyed this movie ever since I first saw it, and with each viewing, I've come to appreciate it more and more, and it has really grown on me as being truly brilliant. I'm not kidding. This is one of the best films of its decade, and really is more than just a vulgar teen comedy. It is quite bawdy, but it's hilarious, well written, has tons of heart and character, and is done rather thoughtfully and intelligently, which is great since it sure doesn't seem like it would be this way initially.

Christopher Mintze-Plasse steals the show as Fogell, better known by his ID name of McLovin, Emma Stone made her terrific debut her as the object of Seth's affection, Michael Cera puts another notch in his belt as the straightman Evan, and Jonah Hill owns as the larger than life Seth. Let's not forget the great supporting roles by Bill Hader and Seth Rogen as the world's most inept but cool cops, and great That Guys like Kevin Corrigan and Joe Lo Truglio.

Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen's script is dynamite, and really captures teen life (especially the wild side) quite nicely, Greg Mottola provides some great direction, and the music is just wonderful. It also makes me smile that the film owes a few debts to the 70s, specifically blaxploitation.

All in all, this truly is a gem. It's unbelievably funny, surprising, and utterly charming...even when it's being lewd. Now that says something.