Review of Youth in Revolt (2009) by Matt B — 18 Oct 2010

Youth in Revolt is a comedy that had me wondering when the laughs would start, and then the credits rolled.

I love a lot of Cera's work, but I found him to be poorly cast in this story about a boy is willing to do anything and everything, legal and illegal to get the girl of his dreams. We get it Cera, you're a dweeb and you can't get girls, you're awkward and nerdy. So what? Can't you do anything else? Cera's alter-persona "Francois" is the only bright spot in this film, unfortunately we get the dweeb 90% of the time.

For the story, there isn't all that much to talk about, guy meets girl, guy falls in love, girl isn't really into the guy, guy has to move away, guy finds a somewhat funny way to get back to her and makes her feel the same way about him. Although Youth in Revolt may have an original take on teenage rebellion and love, we've seen this type of film over and over and Youth in Revolt gives us no reasons to make it's take something to remember.

The material is here, the direction and casting are not. The only person I can say that was cast that did a great job was the surprisingly splendid young Portia Doubleday. She seems like the kind a girl that would bring a young man to such madness to win her over.

Some of this film did not make any sense. Like how did Sheeni's (Doubleday) brother (Long) know who Nick (Cera) was without having met him before? It was that very moment on that we were introduced to Sheeni's brother's crazy ways by getting everyone on shrooms. Anyway, that part just didn't blend in well with the rest of the film, nor did it make any sense.

Once again, here you have another actor (Cera) who's talents, or lack there of, are being put under the microscope when there isn't a certain visionary producer/director behind the camera (Judd Apatow). I feel now that all these actors from Apatow's big successful movies have gone and done their own things we are finding that a lot of them aren't really that great except for the odd gem such as Jonah Hill or Seth Rogen.

Movie Breakdown -.

Writing: 10/25.

Directing:5/25.

Cinematography:16/25.

Acting:9/25.

Total: 40/100.