Release Date:
04/03/2009
Directed by: Greg Mottola
The Skinny: The director of Superbad returns with this 80s-set tale of a pampered college kid (Jesse Eisenberg) who learns that not only are his parents unable to fund his summer jaunt across Europe, but that he has to take a summer job at a crappy amusement park.
The Good: Not only set in the 80s, Adventureland actually feels like an 80s movie in the best way possible. It's not as gag-reliant as some comediesinstead, it just kind of lets its characters be who they are and trust that the laughs will come. And they do. There's no deep story being told here, but the movie succeeds in really capturing the feel of that last summer before you had any real responsibilities. Adventureland also seems like the type of movie that benefits from repeat viewings.
The Bad: Ryan Reynolds' caddish handyman character isn't bad, but the role is a little stiff. Reynolds has the comedy chops, but he's restrained and, well, boring for most of the movie. Otherwise, though, there's not a lot of cons here.
Making the Leap: Yes, the cock-punching, serial urinator Tommy Frigo is that same kid from those annoying AT&T ads.
Theater, DVD, or TNT in Five Years? This is worth going to see in a theater, definitely.
The Skinny: The director of Superbad returns with this 80s-set tale of a pampered college kid (Jesse Eisenberg) who learns that not only are his parents unable to fund his summer jaunt across Europe, but that he has to take a summer job at a crappy amusement park.
The Good: Not only set in the 80s, Adventureland actually feels like an 80s movie in the best way possible. It's not as gag-reliant as some comediesinstead, it just kind of lets its characters be who they are and trust that the laughs will come. And they do. There's no deep story being told here, but the movie succeeds in really capturing the feel of that last summer before you had any real responsibilities. Adventureland also seems like the type of movie that benefits from repeat viewings.
The Bad: Ryan Reynolds' caddish handyman character isn't bad, but the role is a little stiff. Reynolds has the comedy chops, but he's restrained and, well, boring for most of the movie. Otherwise, though, there's not a lot of cons here.
Making the Leap: Yes, the cock-punching, serial urinator Tommy Frigo is that same kid from those annoying AT&T ads.
Theater, DVD, or TNT in Five Years? This is worth going to see in a theater, definitely.