From Greg Mottola, director of better-than-usual Judd Apatow-fest Superbad, Adventureland marks a step in the right direction for the fimmaker. The story of a college graduate that takes a job at a local amusement park, Adventureland sees Mottola bring a sense of heart to a genre generally overwrought with genitalia gags, crass language and easy cracks.

Adventureland story of James (Jesse Eisenberg) a college graduate effectively killing time over the summer prior to heading off to grad school. A hopeless romantic, James falls for Em (Kristen Stewart), a co-worker on the games stand that James occupies, and fellow lost cause within the confines of the amusement park. A well choreographed bunch of side stories and supporting characters’ stories cross paths, as James learns how to handle his romance-hardy disposition, in what is effectively a coming of age story featuring a 20+ years old man.

James Brennan: “I think somebody was trying to write “Satan Lives” on that wall but they spelled it “Satin Lives”.”
Em Lewin: ”One of those textile worshiping cults no doubt.”

That Adventureland doesn’t follow the same path as its brethren of pictures is to be hugely commended. In a strange observation I felt that this had more in common with Fish Tank, the new-kitchen sink hardcore drama that I wrote about yesterday than it did in other Judd Apatow flicks, in the sense that theres a sense of authenticity in Adventureland that would usually be lacking from most teen rom-com style dramas. The embarrassing moments are embarrassing, the touching moments are touching, and the film relates to its viewer on a wonderful level.

Eisenberg has developed considerably since Noah Baumbach’s The Squid and the Whale, which is surprising considering the nature of the role. Kristen Stewart adds another great performance to her CV. Indeed, after her semi-cameo in Into The Wild and brilliant childhood turn in Panic Room its a genuine shame that she will no doubt be remembered for that Mills and Boon-lite vampire serial. There are some great support performances, with note to Martin Star as the ultimately lacklustre Joel, a fellow carnie that shows James the ropes and protocol of the carny work ethic. Ryan Reynolds pulls off the role of Connell, the hip as can be ride engineer with great cool.

Adventureland’s soundtrack is made up of contextually contemporary Lou Reed (a minor plot point itself), Falco’s Rock Me Amadeus (to hilarious effect) and a diegetic score courtesy of Yo La Tengo, a band whom are a favourite of this writer. Its a lovely accompanying theme that works really well. And, while it may not change the world, like the rest of the picture, it certainly raised a smile. This isn’t the teen sex romp that one would expect from the manner in which the film was marketed.