This is not Superbad. That’s not entirely a bad thing, it’s just a miscalculation of publicity (imagine that) and will probably alienate the film from the people who would most enjoy it, while sending Superbad fans in droves to a film that they will not like. In the theatre I was in, I saw at least four people leave the theater in the first 15 minutes.
So what is Adventureland if not a raunchy sex comedy about the coming-of-age of social misfits? Director Greg Mattola’s second film differs in that it is an indie-lite romance… and the coming-of-age of a social misfit. Which distinguishes it from Superbad in that it is not foremost a comedy. It’s funny, no doubt, but most of the jokes are driven home in contrast to just how charming the rest of the film is.
Most charming is James, sublimely portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg from The Squid and the Whale, who brings a genuine-ness to a role that could easily have been played for uncomfortable comedy by Michael Cera. It’s 1987 and James is a recent college graduate with hopes of going to grad school at Columbia in the fall. However, due to a financial crisis at home, James is stuck paying for his own tuition and is forced to take the only job an Renaissance-lit major is qualified for: the games booth at Adventureland, the town’s cheapo amusement park.
On the surface, we’ve seen this film before. James is a virgin and has hopes of changing that by the end of the summer. The employees all spend a lot of their time getting high, having adventures, and eventually falling in love. What sets Adventureland apart comes in the truthful performances, from both Eisenberg and a surprise turn from Twilight‘s Kristen Stewart. When coupled with a deliberate soundtrack and restrained camerawork, the mixture creates touching, understated moments where they are least expected.
The third act is predictable and maybe 10 minutes overlong but Adventureland is never unwelcome. The ensemble cast is played largely by recurring cameo actors, most notable of whom is Martin Starr, turning in his best performance since Freaks and Geeks as a pithy, yet lonely, fellow employee. Actually, the film endearingly reminds me of Freak and Geeks – it is softly funny, charming and nostalgic. I find it impossible to nitpick at Adventureland for being a perfect example of what it sets out to be.
