Dir.Greg Mottola
Writ. Greg Mottola
Act. Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds

Finally, a film that actually surprised me and brightens up the season (Spring 2009), especially when the words 'from the director of Superbad' appeared on the poster.

Set in Pittsburgh summer 1987, James, played by Jesse Eisenberg (The Hunting Party), is forced to take a summer job as a carnie to raise start up financing for his graduate degree. Once there, he meets Em, played by Kristen Stewart (Twighlight), whom he falls for but is secretly having an affair with maintainence man Mike, played by Ryan Reynolds (Just Friends).

I thought this movie was going to be another brainless comedy..like Superbad. I loved Superbad. It made me laugh A LOT. But it was one of the dumbest movies released that year. I expected the same from this one.

However, I was very pleasantly proven wrong. "Adventureland," inspired by writer-director Greg Mottola's summer working for a carnival when he was younger, turned out to be a slice-of-life light-hearted drama about having feelings for someone and making bad choices cause you can't see clearly.

There aren't a whole lot of laughs in this movie. Not laugh out loud anyways. The only chuckles are from certain lines of dialogue and some spots where we may identify with Jesse's ineptness; however, the material kept me interested from beginning to end. I just wanted to know more about Mottola's characters with every scene.

Stewart showed from real choops, clearly having to most tormented of the cast of characters. I'm excited to see what she does in the future that DOESN'T involve vampires.

This was a great role for Eisenberg too; however, we don't get to see him stretch much from other performances he's given. He reminds me of a new generation Woody Allen; only one neurotic way to play each neurotic character.

The script is smart and sensible. The motivations are clear and nothing is confusing. It's very easy to follow what each character is struggling with except maybe Mike. We don't quite get what he is struggling with entirely to make him the way he is.

I loved the 1980's setting. Why wouldn't I? I also loved the character of Lisa P, whose dances were very late '80s and made me giggle. Actually, the whole film is littered with great small performances.

Overall, this one was a pleasant surprise, but still there's no real reason to see it in the cinemas. It's a great picture, but it isn't "Lars and the Real Girl" or "Stranger Than Fiction," some examples of MUST SEE light-hearted dramas.

I say you won't miss anything if you wait for DVD on this one; however, it IS one of my favorites this year.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?