Maybe it's because I could sort of relate to the guy. Maybe because it is a great "music" movie. Or maybe I just enjoyed it because of what it is, but "Adventureland" is sure to please any (girl or guy) who watch it.
The movie's pretense is basically a romantic comedy, but one that appeals to both sexes, like "Knocked Up" or "Juno." James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) has just graduated from college in 1987 and has big plans for the future: a summer trip to Europe and enrolling in the Columbia graduate journalism school in the fall. Life is grand; until his parents break the news about money trouble. The Europe trip, set to be James's graduation gift, is scrapped. Instead, a summer at home in Pittsburgh, where James worries his intellect is not appreciated, is on the horizon. Enrollment at Columbia looks iffy. Oh, and James is a virgin.
Once home, James's parents insist he find a summer job, which is somewhat appalling to James, but he goes out to search. Immediately it is obvious this 22 year old hasn't worked a day in his life: his resume consists of watching the neighbors dog (who gave him a letter of recommendation) and his math SAT score. His job prospects look hopeless.
Until he heads out to Adventureland, the local sleazy amusement park, filled with old, unsafe rides and rigged carnival games. While speaking to Paulette (Kristen Wiig, "Saturday Night Live") and Bobby (Bill Hader, "Superbad"), the park's owners and managers, he is given the job without a second glance and starts immediately.
James is relegated to the games department, where he is given an impromptu orientation by Joel (Martin Starr, "Knocked Up"), a Jew big on Russian author Gogol. His booth constantly blasts "Rock me Amadeus" by Falco, a great eighties song that on repeat becomes extremely annoying but a great running joke. He also meets Em (Kristen Stewart, "Twilight"), a cute, mysterious girl who also works games at the park. The table immediately is set for a budding romance between Brennan and Em.
Then there's Jim Connell (Ryan Reynolds, "Van Wilder"), the super cool maintenance guy who claims to have jammed with Lou Reed. Guys want to be him and girls want to be with him; he is what cool was in the summer of 1987. So with these characters and a great soundtrack, you have the stage set for a bad summer job with a good cast of people.
I really enjoyed this movie for what it is. It's funny and sweet, and any recent college graduate (like me) will appreciate James's grand plans, and the eventual realities, like living with mom and dad, that set in for him. Also, he's a journalism major, just like I was.
As a period piece, the movie is awesome. For anyone that likes the '80s, they'll like everything about this movie. Em drives what I believe to be a Gremlin, a cover band at a bar plays Foreigner, there is lots of makeup and big hair and the soundtrack is perfect for every aspect of the movie. All the characters are great, including Bill Hader as Bobby.
I don't want to give anything away, but this review should give you an idea of what it's about. The film is rated R, and has some drug use, profanity and sexuality, and is available at Crazy Mike's in Polson. Questions or comments? Email me at sashagoldstein@gmail.com
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