Superbad soars with humor
Image Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Seth, played by Jonah Hill (left), and Evan, played by Michael Cera (right), show their awkward side in the new comedy Superbad. The film hails from producer Judd Apatow, who is also responsible for such comedies as 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
Although at times almost painfully raunchy, Superbad is unquestionably one of the year's best and most entertaining comedies. It closely follows three friends as they struggle with life's most important issues: how to illegally get the booze for this weekend's big party (hosted by an extremely hot girl), how to hook up before leaving for college (with an extremely hot girl) and how to party with two very unorthodox police officers (men).
Superbad is not just a vulgar film, although it may appear that way at first glance. There is actually a sweet story hidden behind the foul language and teenage humor-a story of two best friends struggling with typical emotions that high-school seniors often face before leaving for college.
Both friends deal well with their emotional confusion by abandoning a friend in a liquor store, getting completely plastered at a party and getting a little too frisky with a hot classmate. And even though it may sound a little over-the-top, these stories may not be entirely false.
Evan, played by Michael Cera of Arrested Development, is the sweet, quiet and awkwardly charming character simply trying to get through his senior year unnoticed by everyone with the exception of his secret (and extremely hot) crush, Becca (Martha MacIsaac). I found that I instantly fell in love with Michael Cera's character; his performances in Arrested Development were always fantastic, and he is certainly no disappointment in this film.
Evan's witty sense of humor and boyish, awkward nature make him easy to relate to and extremely likeable. Seth (Jonah Hill of Knocked Up) is Evan's attention-seeking best friend obsessed with finding a place to party and expressing his artistic interests. Mike Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), or "McLovin" as his new fake Hawaiian driver's license identifies him, is the surprisingly rebellious and fun-loving guy who ends up getting lucky-sort of.
Seth Rogen of Knocked Up (who plays Officer Michaels) and Evan Goldberg are responsible for the ingenious writing in the film.
The two began the story as teens, which may explain the old-school feel, and are the real Seth and Evan whom we grow to love-not to mention feel increasingly uncomfortable watching as the film progresses. The writing is not, however, the only thing super great about Superbad.
The delivery of the lines makes all the difference and will not leave the viewer disappointed. I have seen it twice and enjoyed it just as much, if not more, the second time around.
The casual conversation between Seth and Evan is phenomenal, and you have to see the film in order to truly appreciate every aspect of its humor.
The writers and co-stars, although very much responsible for Superbad's success, are certainly not the only people involved with the film who deserve credit.
Producer Judd Apatow, who has formerly produced gems such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Knocked Up, has been flying under the movie-goer radar for some time. But recently, if it's been funny, it's been Apatow.
He and Rogen have proven to make an excellent team in the makings of both Superbad and Knocked Up, and there is no doubt that if they continue working together they will continue to give Hollywood comedy something great for us to laugh about.
