If I had a list of all-time best television series, NBC’s Freaks and Geeks (1999) would likely make top 5. Similarly, Greg Mottola’s Adventureland (2009) would be at the top of my favourite films.
I mention Freaks and Geeks here because Adventureland is highly reminiscent of the criminally short-lived television series. We even get to see Martin Starr all grown up, playing an intelligent, truth-telling pessimist.
Unlike a lot of indie films, the focus of the film isn’t on trying to be quirky but truthful. The dialogue is clever but not forced, making the film smart and sweet. The film does contain a lot of the elements that worked so well in the show but it manages to produce its own charming affect.
As for Jesse Eisenberg, the lead in the film, many liken him to Michael Cera. I’d have to say that Eisenberg made a better fit for this role. I absolutely adore Cera, but his humour is slightly goofier and I think it would’ve thrown off the rest of the dynamics of the film.
Although set in the 1980s, Adventureland is timeless and will either take you down memory lane or have you nodding your head and smiling if you’re currently going through your own awkward stages of first love. Now go watch it!
Rating: 4.5/5
Catastrophic Findings 