Adventureland

NOT A COMEDY! When I first saw previews of this I felt it had a very Superbad feel to it. Turns out, not so much. Dark Comedy comes close, but I would straight categorize it as a Drama. It is funny, because of the language used. If it hadn't had an R rating, i don't see it carrying as well. It really follows the story of a young man, James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), as his entire future and plans are shot to hell. He has everything planned out, down to the penny. His food budget, rent budget, traveling schedule. He is on top of it. Unfortunately his parents screw it up. His Dad is sent to another department at his job, so they can no longer afford to help him out at all. He must now get a summer job in town, as opposed to traveling Europe for a month before he moves to NYC. His lack of experience and BS degree doesn't help either. So in the summer of 1987 this college grad must get a job at the theme park Adventureland. Adventureland ends up being the bane of his existence, but at the same time helps him grow up and meet some people that could be life long friends. Although he is a recent grad, he has the bit of immaturity to him, while being extremely mature. It's a strange dynamic, but Eisenberg delivers. He really is becoming one of the weirdest looking leading men in Hollywood. He is fresh out of a heartbreaking 11 day relationship. Fortunately he meets what he thinks is his dream girl. Emily or Em as they call her is played by the always brooding Kristen Stewart. I mean, is it really that hard to look like you are having a good time, ever? She changes his whole perspective of what "It" should be like. I say "It" because it's different for everyone. He lost his dreams, but may find love out of it. In the short course of things she is able to save his heart and destroy his heart within a couple weeks. No matter. He has Lisa P. to fall back on. She is the hottest employee at the park, and considered untouchable. Fortunately she likes him so that's not an issue. Ryan Reynolds adds an interesting character. It is not his normal role. He is depressed and sort of the wise man of the park. He is the park mechanic who gives advice whether it is wanted or not. His character is not on screen a whole lot, but he adds the biggest gut punch to the script of all. It is a really fun movie to watch. It is funny (Big Ass Panda), but the darkness brings it home. I was gonna rate it Awesome, but after recalling it while writing I think I must bump it.

NBM rates Adventureland - Phenomenal

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