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It is the age of the underdog on the big screen today, and losers everywhere should take note. “Adventureland” takes its rightful place in a long line of recent films chronicling the life of the unnoticed and underappreciated. Unlike its predecessors, however, “Adventureland” is neither comedy nor drama, and it can’t be described as strictly a teen flick. The movie doesn’t rely on the typical comedic tricks and emotional ploys – it’s entirely original, yet oddly familiar.
The year is 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) has just graduated from college. He hopes to jet off to explore Europe with some buddies for the summer. But over dinner at his graduation party, his parents break the news that they have fallen on financial hardship and can’t fund his trip.
James is forced to search for the dreaded summer job in his hometown of Pittsburgh, armed only with a padded academic resume and limited work experience. It turns out the only job he’s qualified for is at Adventureland, a dumpy local amusement park. He reluctantly accepts the position and begins work as a carnie.
It’s at Adventureland that James meets a host of interesting characters, including the disenchanted Joel (Martin Starr of Apatow film fame), maintenance man Connell (Ryan Reynolds), and the lovely Em (Kristen Stewart). Although James’ job as announcer of mechanical horse races is unfortunate, he forms a kinship with fellow employees that helps carry him through the miserable summer.
An instant attraction between James and Em becomes the plot’s centerpiece. Stewart shows surprising depth as the complicated and sullen Em, and it’s refreshing to see that her talents go beyond teen queen of the vampire obsessed. Eisenberg may be on his way to becoming the next Michael Cera, with his self-effacing disposition and adorable awkwardness.
Familiar faces include the amusing Bill Hader (“Superbad”) and the always brilliant and deadpan Kristen Wiig (“Saturday Night Live”). It would have done the filmmakers well to make more use of these characters, who spend most of their time in the background.
“Adventureland” will undoubtedly be labeled as a “coming of age” film, but don’t let that scare you away. It effortlessly captures the essence of the late ’80s in a way that almost makes it look appealing, and the true to the era soundtrack carries the movie through when it drags.
The somewhat pathetic lives of the Adventureland employees make the ride simultaneously poignant and amusing, even if the movie slows at certain points with awkward car-ride silences and drug-induced hazes. Unfortunately, the trailers advertise “Adventureland” as having the same director as “Superbad” and shared actors, which might lead moviegoers to believe that they will be treated to “Superbad 2: The Carnival.”
“Adventureland” leans toward melodramatic with a touch of gritty realism. Just don’t go into the theater expecting a fast paced comedic joyride. The style of “Adventureland” is more like the kiddie dragon coaster than the Thunderbolt. It is slow-paced and mellow, but eventually delivers.
Grade: B
Bangor Daily News