Review of Youth in Revolt (2009) by Stevenf — 23 Feb 2013

Youth In Revolt is the sort of film that perhaps asks too much of the viewer, there is different things going on around the central character of Nick Twisp, played by Michael Cera, who we finally see a glimpse of a different sort of character. There are different things going on and plenty of characters to maybe forget, but Youth In Revolt is careful not too mimic other split personality films, and for that, it does it brilliantly.

Nick goes along to a family 'vacation', which is actually his mother and her boyfriend evading a few sailors who her boyfriend, Jerry, who is played by Zach Galifianakis (who doesn't get nearly enough screen time) sold a dodgy car to. At their retreat, he meets the free spirited Sheeni Saunders, (Porta Doubledaywho, and in typical Cera fashion, he falls in love, with the girl, but this time the plot is a little different.

When he is forced to move back to Oakland, Nick decides to create an alter-ego, Francois Dillinger, who is everything Nick cannot be, smooth, sexy, crude, and downright badass. Heard it before, well what is striking about this take on an alter-ego is Nicks awareness of Francois being there, and embracing him, its quite the unique comedy element that is perfect for the film, building Nick's confidence,while still letting him enjoy the finer things in life.

The limited screen time of Justin Long was just unnecessary, he brought very little to his part but I suppose he can't be blamed, this really is where the plot went on a downward spiral, it was just messy, muddled with not very much happening in terms of a plot and character development.

Youth in Revolt isn't a bad film, but it fails in terms of driving and delivering a sound story, it loses its way on too many occasions and introduces an array of characters who are unnecessary and wasted, Justin Long, Zach Galifianakis, Ray Liotta and the talented Steve Buscemi in particular, a powerful cast, but with very little to do.

Michael Cera does excel in his role and it was good to see a more confident role for him, but it is a case of being too comfortable in the same persona, and I would welcome a change of pace.

Its has its moments, but this film needed to deliver its story with a more progressive attitude, rather than stray on vital moments.