Adventureland
It was the worst job ever imagined... and the best time of their lives.
It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little choice but to take a lowly job at a local amusement park. Forget about German beer,world-famous museums and cute French girls—James' summer will now be populated by belligerent dads, stuffed pandas, and screaming kids high on cotton candy.
Lucky for James, what should have been his worst summer ever turns into quite an adventure as he discovers love in the most unlikely place—with his captivating co-worker Em (Kristen Stewart), and learns to loosen up.
Member Reviews
Seriously..its also funny - ABC99
Adventureland effectively feels authentic. The world, the characters, the situations, the emotions...the music, all feel about right. While I think I expected a little more of an all out comedy, what I got whas better. A sincere comic drama about possibly the final summer beofr things get real.
While I had difficulties with the relationship between Eisenberg and Stewart, the decisions of the characters were believable through. The film just ends prior to the Eisenberg character realizing that he can do better. Never the less this is a sweet effective movie that is as close to a John Hughes Film as we have had in 15 years.Sweet little film - eli_quincy
Adventureland was, unfortunately, marketed as a raunchy comedy from the same team that brought the rollicking Superbad, so it makes sense that many seemed to go in with the wrong expectations. In fact, Adventureland is actually a finely observed dramedy about the awkward transition between teendom and adulthood. It's also sweetly nostalgic and boasts a great '80s soundtrack: The Replacements, Husker Du. Rent it, but do so with the right expectations.Quite a surprise, more drama than comedy - eoguy
Remember 1987? Adventureland sure does! Every detail of the time-setting is perfect, with wonderfully accurate interiors, cars, slang, music, and clothes. This is a tale of a brand-new college graduate (Brennan, played by Jesse Eisenberg of "The Squid and the Whale"), who is forced by family misfortune to work the summer of '87 as a carnie.
Written and directed by Greg Mottola ("Superbad"), the movie is reportedly semi-autobiographical, and it clearly reflects a loving hand. To the extent that it is authentic in its look and feel, and its dialogue is fresh and carefully crafted, this is a movie that could have been that generation's "The Graduate," or even its "Marty."
It's unfortunate that it tries too hard to be funny at times, and sometimes fails badly. If Adventureland had been as consistently honest as its parts, it would have worked better. But I did enjoy most of it, and give kudos in particular to Kristen Stewart, who, as Brennan's friend Em, gave as believable a portrait of a young American Gen-Xer.
Member Reviews
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Seriously..its also funny - ABC99
Adventureland effectively feels authentic. The world, the characters, the situations, the emotions...the music, all feel about right. While I think I expected a little more of an all out comedy, what I got whas better. A sincere comic drama about possibly ...Sweet little film - eli_quincy
Adventureland was, unfortunately, marketed as a raunchy comedy from the same team that brought the rollicking Superbad, so it makes sense that many seemed to go in with the wrong expectations. In fact, Adventureland is actually a finely observed dramedy about ...Quite a surprise, more drama than comedy - eoguy
Remember 1987? Adventureland sure does! Every detail of the time-setting is perfect, with wonderfully accurate interiors, cars, slang, music, and clothes. This is a tale of a brand-new college graduate (Brennan, played by Jesse Eisenberg of "The Squid and ...