Adventureland

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 3, 2009

DVD Release Date: August 25, 2009

Plot 411: A Columbia-bound master's student must work his first summer job at a local theme park for money.

Review: When James (Jesse Eisenberg) finds out his parents can't support his post-graduation trip through Europe or his college education, he must take a summer job in order to go to Columbia in the fall. The only job he's offered is at a local amusement park running the game booths. This, in and of itself, is almost hell on earth but the people he meets there impact him more than he expects. Em (Kristen Stewart), another college student home for the summer, befriends the newbie James and he soon falls for her. Em is a troubled chick with a very unstable home life that affects how she interacts with the world. Combined with James' awkward nature, they make for an interesting couple. Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig and Ryan Reynolds also add some humor and irony to the mix. I wouldn't call this an outright comedy as it is pretty heavy at times. However, the humor is dry and sarcastic, which I love. The plot seems more like a biography than scripted. It's fully imbedded in the '80s and actually avoids being completely cheesy. It's a coming of age story that portrays a main character that is an Everyman.

Watch It: For Stewart's brooding emo-ness that isn't as annoying as her Twilight character Bella.

Skip It: If you're expecting a repeat of Superbad, despite being directed by the same guy - Greg Mattola.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 18, 2008

DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008

Plot 411: After a horrible break up, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii only to run into his ex and her new beau.

Review: I thought I'd try another Judd Apatow movie because I just don't understand the hype about this guy. I still don't get it. I've watched a number of movies in which he is the writer or producer and find them only mildly humorous in a sophomoric way. This one had the added benefit of being filmed in Hawaii, but other than that it didn't really impress me. Peter (Jason Segel) makes his living by scoring his girlfriend Sarah's (Kristen Bell) hit tv show. But when she dumps him for another man, he spirals down into depression. His step brother, played by Bill Hader, suggests that he go on vacation to clear his mind (only after he's waded through a sea of one night stands to no affect). Unfortunately, Sarah and her boyfriend are also vacationing and it seems that Peter cannot escape her. The one interesting thing about this film in comparison with the others is that Peter and Sarah realize that they were both at fault for the destruction of their relationship. This, I think, is a new development in many of Apatow's movies. Most films have a good guy and bad guy and leave it at that. This one clearly depicts a grey area in the relationship, which is much more realistic. As in other Apatow films, support comes by way of Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill. Other stars include Mila Kunis and Russell Brand. Kalani Robb also makes an appearance.

Watch It: For comedy on par with Superbad and Knocked Up.

Skip It: If you've had enough of Apatow's creations.

Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 3, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

Plot 411: Heartbroken teens hit the big city to rock out, search for a missing friend and figure out Where's Fluffy.

Review: This is like the bible for indie rock geeks. Michael Cera (of Superbad and Juno fame) is genius as Nick. Once again he's captured that awkward geeky guy who somehow manages to pull off being cool. He's so lovable and sweet and nerdy hot. He's undeniable. Kat Denning (of The House Bunny) is perfect as Norah. She's got that emo-chick thing going on just naturally. What's completely cool about this movie is that the characters are so realistic that you feel like you know them. The best part is that this entire adventure happens in one night, and then it's back to school again. When you're young, your world could come to an end and crash all around you, but there's always tomorrow. This movie really shows us that anything's possible. I enjoyed the conversation between characters as well because it was so real. It doesn't sound scripted or forced. The babbling in some scenes actually happen in real life. It's rare that films are true to life these days. I also liked that Nick's bandmates and friends are gay. Another rarity in Hollywood is the portrayal of young, gay men. It's poignant that this film portrays an alternative lifestyle in a positive manner, one in which the characters don't think it's a big deal. Today, it isn't a big deal and the fact that this is reflected in the cinema is a sign of the times. Progress has been made. There are so many funny scenes, especially those that involve gum, barf and drunken behavior, yet there are others that are idyllically romantic but not overly cheesy. This film has just the right balance of romantic comedy and realism, and this really makes it work.

Watch It: For an accurate snapshot of a night in the life of a teenager.

Skip It: If reliving you teen years is too uncomfortable because this movie doesn't pull any punches.

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