Superbad - a review

Rating: 8/10 (30 September 2007)

With more profanity in the first twenty minutes than you could shake any number of sticks at, Superbad gives the initial impression that it's quite happy to work on the same level as films such as The 40-year old Virgin and, more recently, Knocked Up. After all, the producers remain the same and some old cast members rejoin them for another outing, this time under the direction of Greg Mottola. The film follows the story of best friends Seth and Evan (played by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera) during their final days of high school. They are invited to a house party and agree to buy the alcohol in an attempt to impress the host and her friend. Enter Fogell, the school's super nerd who has just acquired a very unique ID card. The trio set out to get their hands on some booze, which they are convinced will earn them the admiration of the girls at the party. However, things are never that simple. Fogell  or "McLovin"  is caught up in a robbery at the local 7-11 that sends him on a trip with two highly incompetent cops. So do you come out with a head-full of new insults? Well, of course. It's a prerequisite for the Borat generation. But that's not all you come out with, which is what separates Superbad from its predecessors. The relationship between the two protagonists, Seth and Evan is put under strain when they learn they will soon be attending separate colleges. They both have to come to terms with the impending separation after years of co-dependence. The film won't be to everyone's taste, especially with some of the taboos it sets out to break and a common theme of hedonistic pleasure-seeking. You might also get a sense that you have seen something like this before. The concept certainly isn't fresh; echoes of American Pie and Porkys are rife. However, the friendship is so well-portrayed between the two lead characters that it gives the teen comedy a fresh appeal. By the end of the film, you can't help but dismiss all the bad language that's exchanged as simple bravado. Underneath all this bravado lies a very poignant buddy movie that is a joy from start to finish.