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Each generation seems to want to make 'their' coming of age film. In the past
they have ranged from "American Graffiti", "Diner", "Rebel Without a Cause",
"The Wild Ones", etc.
"Adventureland" tries to be the coming of age
comedy film for the 1980s. There is the male virgin, the 'wild' female who is a
virgin but appears/acts otherwise, the no-good man, the follow her husband no
matter what woman, the hurting daughter, the goofy friend, the nerd as just part
of the regular characters. There is also the addition, in films made today, of
vomiting and slamming someone in the crotch.
Just as coming out gay films follow a formula nongay coming of age films follow a set
pattern. What separates the good from the bad, generally, is the acting and the
soundtrack. Possibly because I was not into the 1980s music very few of the
songs in this film are familiar.
The acting styles, and characters, are far from
being ensemble work in this film and both are important in a coming of age
movie. Jesse Eisenberg, playing the
male virgin, is sweet and does a good job while Kristen Stewart, as the girl he
wants, is excellent but not a good match for Jesse as you never believe them as
a couple though it is not the fault of their acting.
The supporting cast are up to their assignments with none really a stand out
except for some of the inane words and action some have to do.
Where Adventureland fails is in the designation of
being a comedy or even a romantic comedy. Though you know where the film is
heading there are very few laughs
and/or tender moments along the way. It is a pleasant film but neither an
important or memorable one so it looks like a few more coming of age films
regarding the 80s will be coming down the pike!
A warning: DON'T eat a heavy lunch at Sweet Tomatoes BEFORE going to a
movie!!!!!
