Merrick here...
Masked Avenger sent in this look at ADVENTURELAND, from SUPERBAD director Greg Mottola.

Keep in mind this film won't be released until August. It's possible changes will be made to the film between now and the time it hits screens.


Here's Masked Avenger...

Last night I was at a test screening in NYC for Greg Mottola's follow up to "Superbad" - "Adventureland". The film stars Jesse Eisenberg as a college graduate in 1986 that is a virgin and was recently dumped by his girlfriend. Not too mention his plans of touring Europe for the summer have fallen through due to his father's recent demotion. So he must return home to live with his parents and get a summer job. The only place that will hire him is the local seasonal amusement park the titular "Adventureland".

Now this was a test screening, so the sound and transitions of the film were a little off. But other than that there were no problems with the film. It's basically completed. It runs a little under 2 hours and I felt that it went smoothly. The film is very well made and tonally exceptional. A more personal and mature film than Superbad. But it's still very funny.

Jesse Eisenberg, the go to guy for directors and their semi-autobiographical films(see The Squid and the Whale) turns in another good performance. Although, it's hard to tell a difference between his character here and in TSATW. A smart, funny, and well-read young man that's not afraid to say what he feels, as he puts it in the film, he's a romantic.But those comparisons aside, he carries the film fairly well. I can't help but wonder if Greg Mottola didn't consider Michael Cera for this role, as he too would've been perfect.

Which brings me to my next point, there are a couple of carry over cast members from Superbad, most notably of course is Mr. Bill Hader, playing the manager of Adventureland. Probably the best current cast member on SNL and one of the breakout characters of the film. Every time he's on screen the audience, myself included, would just collectively laugh at his presence. While I don't see him being the next Will Ferrell, it would be interesting to see how he manages his film career. He's very funny. And playing his wife and co-manager is Kristen Wiig, also turning in another hilarious performance. Their moments on screen are few and far between but were always brought back at the right moment.

Playing the love interest is Kristen Stewart, playing a troubled young girl that slowly falls in love with Jesse Eisenberg's character despite the emotional turmoil she finds herself in. While this role suits her and she's a very talented actress, she does look a little too young for it. Ryan Reynolds has a supporting role as the amusement park's maintainence man and lothario. It's somewhat similar to his character in Waiting, but with more maturity and shows signs of Reynolds improving as an actor.

The film's other supporting actors include Martin Starr(Royal Tenenbaums), Matt Bush, Wendie Malick and many more, each of which are very good in their own respect. Overall this film has a great cast, script and obviously director. This film will definitely be a sleeper hit and before any talkbacker can say it, "It's this year's "Little Miss Superbad".

If you use this, call me Masked Avenger!