Here comes the biggest surprise so far in 2009 at the movies - Adventureland! Sometimes you walk into the theater with certain expectations, and it's great to have them exceeded. Adventureland is that movie.
Starring Jessie Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, Adventureland is set in 1987 about growing up and crossing over from college to the next stage. James, (Eisenberg) has completed his studies at Oberlin College, and is getting ready to go on his European vacation before starting graduate school in New York at Columbia. His plans get derailed when his parents can't afford either. So he moves back home to suburban Pittsburgh with his parents and gets a summer job at the worst amusement park on earth, Adventureland.
There he meets Em, (Stewart), who has plans of her own for grad school in NYC, but she has demons a plenty. The two find each other and the romance is on. But it's not an easy road. Em is looking for something, anything good in her sad and complicated life. Is the extremely educated, terribly naive about women, virgin James her answer? There's your movie.
Adventureland is a terrific movie that really captures and era very well. All the surrounding characters are plucked right out of 1987, along with a great soundtrack, and fantastic costuming and hairstyling. An era captured perfectly to say the least. This movie has the feel of American Graffiti, The Breakfast Club, and even the more recent Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist all mixed together. It reminds us that growing up is hard no matter what generation it is. Some issues are just timeless. Dating, young love, sex, and figuring out who you are are just tough things to do in any era. Adventureland may be the name of the park, but it's really symbolism for what goes on after the park closes at night.
Adventureland is a raw look back at typical American young adults some 20 years ago. What we were doing, and how we were feeling. How we handled being young, and the many times we didn't do so well. As a matter fact, many more failures than victories. But that's the raw beauty of Adventureland. Word too, even though this is a young cast with many stars appealing to young people today, Adventureland is a better adult movie. It has strong appeal to those 40 ish in its overall feel and focus.
Adventureland. It's funny, raw at times, and honest in every frame. It successfully shows a generation with all its flaws and challenges. A great trip down a road already traveled by some, all the while speaking to those who are on that road right now, and those getting ready to. A big surprise.
Adventureland is really worth it. The sleeper hit movie so far in 2009!
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