Don’t let its profane language and memorable penis-illustration montage fool you – “Superbad” is all heart.
The film focuses on awkward best friends Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), who are about to graduate from high school before separating to attend different colleges.
Unfolding in a single day, the plot centers on the boys’ attempts to purchase alcohol, which is apparently integral if vulgar Seth and shy Evan are going to successfully lose their virginities at a party hosted by Seth’s romantic interest.
In a subplot that at times overshadows the main story, the boys’ friend, Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), also known as “McLovin’,” befriends two cops while attempting to purchase the needed alcohol with a fake I.D.
Mintz-Plasse has been widely credited with stealing the movie, and there’s no doubt he’s funny, but in the end, the film’s soul rests in Evan and Seth’s story. By the feature’s conclusion, our two heroes have learned more about women than any porn site could teach them, and the cops reveal they have more in common with the film’s protagonists – a need to be accepted – than initially suspected.
Although the plot might sound unoriginal, the genius of “Superbad” is that it takes overdone clichés and makes them fresh by reintroducing them in a world quirky enough to be interesting, but realistic enough to be meaningful.
Unlike those in mainstream teen comedies, the nerds really seem like nerds. You won’t see James Van Der Beek in an argyle sweater and glasses, doing his best Screech impression.
The main characters are hilariously written to be authentically awkward, multi-dimensional and insecure, desperately seeking coolness at any cost and destined to realize that the friendships they share are more significant than their reputations.
In their attempt to achieve a night of alcohol-induced perfection, Evan and Seth also come to understand that perfection is unattainable – that even the seemingly untouchable girls they seek to bed are fl awed and real, just like them.
“Superbad” was produced by “Knocked Up” director Judd Apatow and was co-written by that film’s star, Seth Rogen, who also plays one of the cops in this film.
This feature is not quite as strong as “Knocked Up,” in part because of the films’ distinct differences. “Knocked Up” poked fun at the gender gap in a novel way while providing sophisticated social commentary about marriage and relationships. “Superbad” is lighter and less inventive fair, focusing mainly on a tried-and-true formula –—sex + acceptance + male friendship—which has already been utilized successfully in recent films like “American Pie.”
While slightly predictable, “Superbad” is still a great addition to some of the best high school comedies of all time. Just like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Sixteen Candles,” this vulgar film illustrates the pains and joys of adolescence through razor-sharp, observational humor and the indelible charms of its young, talented cast.
Grade: B+