182: Youth in Revolt

Youth in Revolt (R) - 2010 - Runtime: 90 minutes
Starring: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday
Director: Miguel Arteta

So we decided to see this movie on a whim last Friday and it was worth every gift card penny we spent. No seriously, it was really good! I really didn't come into this movie with any expectations - only knowing that the book it's based on has a rabid (and somewhat unreasonable from what I've heard) fanbase and the trailer looked promising. But I didn't expect this movie to be almost flawless! It's a great R-rated comedy that is a bit odd and quirky, but has a lot of heart and great belly laughs.

Michael Cera plays Nick Twisp (great name, even if it is weird), who's longing to just grow up and be an adult. And part of that involves getting laid - something that seems so far out of reach to him. Until he meets Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday) and decides that she is his dream girl. And the only way to get with her is to stop being such a twat and grow a pair. But instead of just dealing with it, Twisp goes balls out and creates a very badass persona, Francois Dillinger to help him win Sheeni's heart. It's a great concept and I thought it was executed brilliantly in the movie. Cera is known for his awkward demeanor and teenage boy characters, but his mustachioed anti-hero Dillinger is something of a revelation for Cera. I feel like Cera felt a lot more freedom with this part of his character - someone who could do whatever the hell he wanted. It's the best part of the movie and certainly he creates enough laughs to entertain, but there's so much more than just Dillinger. There's a host of great side characters, including Zach Galifianakis as Twisp's mother's loser boyfriend, Ray Liotta reprising his role from Observe and Report, Justin Long as the stoned out older brother of Sheeni and the list goes on.

There's a lot of great physical comedy, but I was surprised at how graphic the language was. I knew it was an R-rated movie, but I didn't expect so much vulgarity. And I'm impressed! I loved every minute of it - so suffice it to say, this is a great way to start 2010! Go and seek out this movie - you won't be disappointed!

Rating: See It!