Did Adventureland get enough credit? I'm thinking not so much. As far as movies go representing our (or the 1990s) generation, this one fared pretty well.
If Waiting was a hallmark for anyone who has ever had to work 3+ months in the food service industry, then Adventureland is the same for anyone who has ever had to endure the carny lifestyle.
James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) was all set to spend his summer before grad school backpacking through Europe until he hit a financial snag and had to settle on working at the local carnival back in his hometown. A full summer of running the games booth with rigged games galore and the never-ending soundtrack of Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus." Pure heaven, right?
Brennan's got a crush on Em (K-Stew, doing a pretty decent acting job) who also works the games booths. She's torn between him and another guy...
Mike Connell (Ryan Reynolds) who goes by 'Connell' and happens to be married but does oblige to Em by taking her to his mom's basement anytime he wants to be with her. He's kind of a douche but the unfortunate attractiveness that Reynolds possesses makes it hard to really hate on the guy.
So Brennan switches tactics and gets with the hottest girl on this side of the 'rides'...
Lisa P (Margarita Levieva) who does quite a good job acting in this film. Only in the world of teen flicks can a nerdy guy get with all of the hot girls in a matter of two hours.
But my favorite character is Joel played beautifully by Martin Starr, who you might recognize from other bromance comedies like Knocked Up and Superbad. He provides the voice of reason for Brennan and has a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Only in this movie could he get away with calling a hat a "chapeau" while stoned. And his list of job occupations post-graduation include "cabby, hot dog vendor, marijuana delivery guy...the world is my oyster." Hilarious.
Overall I would definitely recommend this movie because it has the great way of taking you back to the past when you watch it. And the soundtrack is also excellent. Bowie, The Cure, INXS and of course, gotta have that Falco song.
Love to you all,
Heather
4 comments:
I still need to see this movie. Thank you for reminding me. And yes, Martin Starr is a very talented comedic actor. I've liked him ever since he was in, "Freaks and Geeks." I'm hoping that he will eventually have a breakout role.
You are probably the millionth person to tell me about how wonderful "Freaks and Geeks" was and for some reason, I still haven't rented or Netflixed any of it. I need a break from school...but in any case, Martin Starr will definitely get a breakout role soon. He has a great comedic timing for one.
You are SO right, Heather. I loved this movie. It's one of those movies that just make you feel good.
I watched it for free on megavideo.com through surfthechannel.com, because cinemas in Denmark haven't started showing it yet.
Amazing! And yes, K-Stew did a good job. I don't understand why people who hates Twilight has to take it out on her, because she's actually quite good.
Arg, my grammar was way off!
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