Adventureland
2008
***
Director: Greg Mottola
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Martin S, Margarita Levievatarr, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig
James, who made it through college a virgin, is forced to take a job in a shabby Pittsburgh amusement park. This turns out to be a blessing in disguise as he makes new friends and falls in love with his co-worker Emily. This likeable coming of age drama comedy has nice characterisation and perky performances, but most of its story elements feel recycled from earlier films. Greg Mottola's self-penned screenplay probably includes autobiographical elements since it's set in 1987 when he was the same age as James. Apart from putting all his old favourite tunes on the soundtrack, there is no point in setting the story in the past, especially when the period detail is virtually non-existent. The only person who looks authentically from the 1980s is Emily's stepmother, who wears a wig.
