Youth in Revolt
Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday in Youth in Revolt
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By Tom Powell. |  |
Monday, 01, Feb 2010 11:43
Directed by Miguel Arteta, out February 5th in cinemas, starring Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Steve Buscemi, Jean Smart, Ray Liotta, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Long, running time 90 mins.
What's it all about?
Based on CD Payne's novel, Youth in Revolt stars Michael Cera as an intelligent teen who channels a suave alter-ego in order to win over the girl of his dreams (Doubleday).
As an example...
"I'll only ask once that you and your adorable sweater step away from the door." - Francois Dillinger
What the others say
"It's chaotic and episodic, but this is Cera's star turn. Superbad meets Fight Club? That'll do it." - Andrew Male, Empire
"Cera and his gifted comic co-stars elevate the mediocre source material into a semi-iconic coming-of-age story." - Peter Debruge, Variety
So is it any good?
If you haven't tired yet of seeing Michael Cera playing a dorky dweeb then you'll be more tolerant of this mild and meandering comedy, a big disappointment from director Arteta, who gave us the the excellent Chuck and Buck and The Good Girl.
Cera plays articulate and sarcastic teen Nick Twisp, living with his sluttish mother Estelle (Smart). While holidaying with her and her dodgy boyfriend Jerry (Galifianakis) he meets the girl of his dreams Sheeni (Doubleday). His passion for her overcomes all obstacles and he will do anything to be with her - such as causing a major traffic accident so that his mum will throw him out so he can live with his father (Buscemi) who lives near the girl's parents.
He also sneaks into her college dorm with pal Vijay (Kalyan) and spreads awful lies about her dependable but dull boyfriend. He even goes so far as dressing up in drag to sneak into her home and not give away his identity to her parents.
The escalating trouble he causes to all and sundry is helped by his smooth alter-ego, a moustachioed fantasy figure called Francois Dillinger (also played by Cera), a smooth talking cigarette smoker who forces the unconfident youth to perform his devilish acts and screw the consequences. Soon the teenager is up to his eyes in subterfuge and dodgy dealings. And you won't care one jot about his predicament.
This weak effort tries for a jaunty, ironic tone but simply comes across as tedious. It's not funny enough and there never seems to be anything at stake. The cast acquit themselves well but there's nothing here for them to sink their teeth into. Cera needs to think about adopting a new persona - his performance here is hardly much different to what he's done before. Overall, It's watchable but uninteresting, the plot never grabbing you. Flimsy and forgettable, this ain't one to rush out to.
2/10
Doug Cooper
This review is provided by www.screenjabbber.com