Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Netquix: Adventureland (2009)

Netflix content reviewed in 150 words. Or thereabouts.

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

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