Super Good "Superbad"

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2007)

In the opening rift between our heroes Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hil) on their drive to school, it is transparent from their explicit, crude, hysterical exchange that these graduating seniors want desperately to get laid before heading off to college. Theirs is a noble pursuit. Well, at least the honest pursuit for our geeky duo. Like the characters of "Superbad", the writers share their names, Seth Rogan (of "Knocked Up") and Evan Goldberg. Seems that "Superbad" is somewhat biographical, which lends insight. Amidst all the movie's outsider teen angst and exaggerated sexual bravado, Director Grag Mottola's "Superbad" is ultimately about growing up and lasting friendship. Mottola strikes a unique balance and tone. "Superbad" is definitely not for kids with its graphic language, sans any explicit sex; however, it is amazingly bitter sweet. For the creators of "Superbad", they ignored any conventions of taste and their story is boldly sentimental and personal. "Superbad" has an authentic ear for male teen speak. Smart and shy Evan expresses, "Just imagine if girls weren't weirded out by our boners and stuff That's the world I one day want to live in." Yes, that would be a perfect world. There is a lot of funny stuff in "Superbad".
Evan (Cera) and Seth (Hill) are childhood friends, who are about to graduate from High School. Evan and Seth also face separate futures. Evan is going to Dartmouth in the fall. Seth, unable to get in, will attend State college. These final weeks of High School for them represent their last chance to "score" before heading to college and their new lives. Evan and Seth are uncool geeks, though in a charming way. Evan is the tall smart silent dork, who is sweet on Becca (bubbly and cute Martha Maclsaac). Seth is the smart ass overweight kid, who has a non-zero chance of getting laid on his own, and is such a drama queen about not getting any. Seth hooks up with pretty Jules (spirited Emma Stone) in home economics class. Her parents are out of town, and she is throwing a party. Jules would be indebted if Seth can obtain alcohol from her party, "You scratch our back and we'll scratch yours." Classy Seth replies, "Funny thing about my back it's located on my" Suddenly, all relies upon Evan and Seth's buddy Fogell (very funny Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who has a fake Hawaii driver's license as organ donor McLovin. For those who have seen the trailer, the classic line is: "Yes, I am McLovin." However, something ridiculously goes wrong at the liquor store, and officers Slater (Bill Hader) and Michaels (Seth Rogen) are called to the scene. From this point high jinx and debauchery abound.
Rogen and Goldberg's storytelling takes apparent tangential and hysterically tasteless turns, but there seems to be a point to the chaos. The telling betrayal is not about girls and sex, rather it is about friendship. To that end "Superbad" works, because of its strong performances and Mottola's natural direction. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill are amazing comedic partners. Although, they have their bitchy moments, their underlying love for each other in spite of themselves makes "Superbad" strangely poignant. Cera has a comfortable charm and innocence even in Evan's most uncool moments. He has a great line while pulling himself together," Calm down She wants to suck on your" We have a genuine affinity and familiarity for Cera as Evan. Hill as Seth has the funnier lines. Hill is an amazing dorky smart ass. He also wisely tempers Seth's vulnerable side, and shows Seth's human side when he lets his guard down. Christopher Mintz-Plasse practically steals the movie as "McLovin". Mintz-Plasse has a nerdy ease and brilliance. What he does is play Fogell as a good kid, who just wants to be cool. As Fogell, he finds that he is cool, when he isn't trying so hard. He has a hysterical scene where he dances with hot Nicola (Aviva).
The ending of "Superbad" got me. No worriesthis does not give anything away. With all the hilarious raunch, the message is that things happen when they happen, and given a choice good people will do the right things. I did not expect that from "Superbad". It is a laugh out loud expertly written movie, well worth seeing. "Superbad" is the smart, funny movie of the year.