Adventureland (2009)
Dir: Greg Mottola
Running Time: 107 minutes
Originally mis-sold as a dick-swinging American
Pie-style frat comedy, Adventureland is far too sweet and
subtle a venture to suffer that tarnished labelling. Likeable lead Jesse
Eisenberg (think Michael Cera in minor chord) idles away his re-routed
vacation barely working at a lo-rent amusement park whilst
yearning for the slightly clipped charms of co-worker Kristen Stewart.
With a pace wholly befitting the long, lazy weeks
of a summer holiday, the couple’s core romance is drip fed leisurely amongst
the quieter character moments and sporadic smattering of offbeat yuks.
Eisenberg nails that entirely relatable encapsulation of youth: the tangible
tangle of nervous anticipation and self-regard. That he does it with such
natural magnetism is a credit to both him and script.
Though the late 80’s indie soundtrack may
unwittingly emit the faintly occasional noxious whiff of corporate alt. indie,
Adventureland is an honourable and truthful work: gently wistful and utterly
commendable.
7/10
