Adventureland is a retro-tinged movie about teens in Pittsburgh working at a run down amusement park during the summer of 1987. It is marketed as similar to Superbad, when in fact the only thing they have in common is the Director. Adventureland is funny, but it is more sweet, tender, and intimate. Touching on themes of unrequited love, returning home, and small-town love, the film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and the always-delightful-duo of Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. In addition, the film’s soundtrack is a joyous blast from the past, running the gamut of all your favorite 1980’s synth-happy love songs. It is a movie that anyone can really relate to, no matter when they were born, and an amazing watch.
"The story is semi-autobiographical, but has a gentler touch than his prior work on Superbad, and certainly relies less on slapstick episodes."
— David Denby
"Like all films that strike a chord, you'll find yourself replaying your own memories as the credits roll on a comedy that fires the heart."
— Dan Brightmore
It's the summer of 1987, and recent college grad James Brennan can't wait to begin his long-anticipated dream trip to Europe. Unfortunately, James' plans come to a screeching halt when his parents announce that they are unable to subsidize his trip. Forced to take a job at the local amusement park, James prepares for the worst summer ever, until he finds love with a captivating co-worker named Em.
Spirit Awards
1 nomination
Sundance
1 nomination
I wanted to love this movie, the setting is simple but powerfull and i really like the cast BUT it just never landed for me. The movie feels a little insecure tonally speaking, sometimes it has powerful coming of age moments, and the next scene i feel im watching a comedy sketch by Bill Hader and Kristen Wig, (those two felt a little over the top IMO). Jesse is a perfect actor for delivering awkward real life like dialogue, but against Kristen Stewart inexistent charisma it had no impact, and i don’t think she is a bad actress, there were glimpses of personality but most of the time its just her reading her lines and facial tics. The realationships felt very geniune but the potential was wasted due to the underdeveloped supporting characters and bland dialogue.