Review of Youth in Revolt (2009) by Jebus C — 09 Jan 2011

This was supposed to be the movie that convinced the world that Michael Cera could play more than one role. This time challenging his normal awkward kid role with an opposing 'cool' guy like Jean Paul Belmondo.

Sadly he's not entirely convincing, which is probably why he keeps getting typecast as George Michael Bluth. That said Youth in Revolt is not a bad film at all. The supporting roles are filled with quality character actors like Steve Buscemi, Fred Willard and Ray Liotta.

However even that kind of quality doesn't produce a lot of laughs. It revels in being quirky and offbeat while remaining painfully sanitised. A film of contrasts, like the two opposing Cera roles, it has both good and bad segments.

But the patchwork cast makes it feel more like a sketch show that's short on punchlines. While not totally convincing Cera is likeable enough that he has a future as a lead but its hard to tell how many more roles like this he can do.

Unlike Justin Long, who also appears here, he just doesn't have much range. Worth checking out for some amusing characters.