Adventureland (2009)

Adventureland is a film, written and directed by Greg Mottola (Paul, Superbad) set in the summer of 1987 about a college graduate, James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) who has no idea where he is going in life, and so decides to take a job at the local amusement park, Adventureland. Here he meets a whole host of weird and wonderful friends, including a girl called Em Lewin (Kristen Stewart). The film sees James on a path where he will discover who he is and what he wants out of life with some heartache and laughs along the way.

Jesse Eisenberg plays his usual character, a slight geeky, shy and socially inept teenager. I have said this in my reviews in the past that this is not a bad thing, he plays these roles well, why change. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in another role in the future though, will be interesting to see how that would turn out. Jesse and Kristen’s characters are in love/not in love in this film which means a lot of ups and downs for them. I think both actors performed these roles well, even the intense and emotional scenes; they really look like they should be together and make you feel for these characters when everything begins to go wrong and the heartache begins.

One of my favourite comedy actors plays a supporting role in this film, Ryan Reynolds who plays Brad, the good looking older Adventureland handyman with a claim to fame. It was a different role for Ryan in this film as he wasn’t playing his usual cocky, arrogant comical role but instead took on a more serious one of a married man who likes to mess around with the female Adventureland staff. He plays this part surprisingly convincing and proves he is not just a cocky comedy actor but, when called for, is able to perform the more serious, intense roles.

Overall I loved this film; there is something about it that makes you feel good after watching it. Because this film is set in the late 80’s the soundtrack, I found, was brilliant with such songs as Modern Love – David Bowie and my favourite, Rock Me Amadeus – Falco. Every time I listen to this soundtrack it brings a smile to my face, absolutely love it. Even now, as I write this review I have the soundtrack on in the background, so I recommend both this film and soundtrack to anybody who likes a dry comedy, feel good film with a hint of romance, and let’s face it, who doesn’t.    

Written by Oliver Willis