Recent Release Reviewed: Adventureland

Adventureland
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Martin Starr, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Reynolds
Written and directed by: Greg Mottola

1987. After graduating college, James Brennan is told by his parents that they can't afford to pay for his summer trip to Europe, not to mention Columbia University. Looking for a summer job to pay for tuition, he discovers that the only job he can get is working at Adventureland amusement park. While doing his crappy job, James falls for Em Lewin, but she's more complicated than he realises.

As you can probably tell from the above description, Adventureland isn't big on plot, but then it doesn't have to be. It's a fairly straight-forward, gentle coming of age tale that is funny, sensitive and touching. Mottola has said that the story is very personal to him and that a lot of it is based on his own experiences. It does feel heartfelt. While there are occasional nostalgic pangs for a different time (mostly through the soundtrack), it's not maudlin, and the film is often harshly critical of the late 1980s. Adult figures are either clueless or alcoholic, and everyone's getting laid off. James also realises that his college degree has left him undesirable for any job. "I majored in Comparative Literature and Renaissance Studies! Unless someone needs help restoring a fresco, I'm screwed!"

The strong ensemble cast is led by Jesse Eisenberg, who's been doing sterling work since the underrated Roger Dodger. James isn't quite as nerdy and socially awkward as some of the leads in recent comedies, he's believable and likeable. He's supported by Kristen Stewart, who handles the difficult role of the troubled Em well. Apatow regular Martin Starr shows that he can work wonders when given a character rather than a cameo as the bookish Joel, a character who has more depth than the usual "nerdy best friend". Ryan Reynolds gets to show off his dramatic chops as Connell, the handsome, cool repair-man who's something of a legend to the carnies because he once jammed with Lou Reed. Seemingly an older-brother figure to James, Connell quickly turns out to be less benevolent than he appears. Under-used but wonderful are SNL stars and blog favourites Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader as the park's managers, who are essentially used for comic relief. Apparently husband and wife, they're both not-all-there, and adorably committed to the park rather than the cruel tyrants you'd expect from a movie about a young character forced to work a crappy job. They're good enough to make you wish they had more screen-time.

Adventureland certainly isn't a straight-up comedy, in fact it's often quite dark. There are characters who are just there to add laughs when needed, such as Hader and Wiig, and James' friend Frigo (Matt Bush) who hits James in the nuts whenever he sees him. However, given the cheesy tag-line about the worst job ever leading to the best time of their lives, and the understandable wish to trade on the fact that Mottola directed Superbad, some viewers may be surprised that Adventureland isn't a raunchy teen comedy. Yes, there are scenes of drunken parties and weed-smoking, but the main thrust of the story is James realising that his time in college has barely prepared him for the real world. He's left open to bad advice from Connell, and sometimes does the wrong thing. This is not exactly a new structure for a film, but it's one that is very effective when done right. Here, Mottola knows and loves his characters and it comes through. Adventureland isn't going to change the genre,but it makes for a very enjoyable ninety minutes

7/10