Funny, subversive, and surprisingly authentic take on high school life

Rating: 9/10 (12 April 2016)

With Judd Apatow in the producer's chair, and Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg as the writers, comedy fans are almost guaranteed for a hilarious, raucous experience. This comedy directed by Greg Mottola sets a funny and surprisingly realistic take on life as a high schooler and the utter debauchery that teenagers engage in to have the time of their lives while their days of drinking and partying like animals are numbered. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera play Seth and Evan (named after the writers), two high school seniors who have been the best of friends for a long time and are dealing with separation anxiety as they are anticipating their last school year together before moving off to separate colleges. With no party plans on their agenda, Seth and Evan are invited to a party hosted by their crushes Jules (played by Emma Stone) and Becca (played by Martha MacIsaac). But there is just one thing: they need booze. This is a problem since the fact that they are not 21 but luckily they get help from their geeky friend Fogell (played by Christopher Mintz- Plasse) who obtains fake IDs to mask themselves as of legal age. However, their mission to get to the party with booze becomes difficult when they face seemingly endless array of difficulties including Fogell's run-in with two amateur cops Officer Slater (played by Bill Hader) and Officer Michaels (played by Seth Rogen) who slow their plans down.
Teen comedies typically come in two different categories, one is a comedy where teenagers are involved in situations that are plausible in reality but typically don't happen outside of Hollywood films. Then there is a small minority of comedies that veer closer to reality, and this film sits more toward this category. This film written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg who were only 13 years old at the time they wrote this, blossoms an insanely funny, clever, and unlike most comedies, an authentic take on high school experience thanks to its smart script. The plot sets a fair demonstration of just about everything a high school boy fantasized about when it came to making his way into the popular crowd, ranging from losing his virginity to the girl of his dreams, to getting his hands on booze, to going to a party for a wild night of drinking, sex, and dancing to loud music; many thing teens and adults can relate to. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are both hilarious as their characters, and have plenty of funny (and vulgar) dialogue for the most of their time on screen. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is also quite funny and equally likable, especially during his moments with Seth Rogen and Bill Hader playing police officers. Their comedic chemistry together hits home and serves as a pinnacle of endless laughter as much as Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, plenty of vulgar sex jokes typical for the Judd Apatow fare here and there, most of the hit well while a few are a bit misfires. While these actors are funny, they also show a fair side of sweetness and smarts, particular when they come to clever terms with the girls of their dreams.
Superbad is super-funny, super-smart, and show Jonah Hill and Michael Cera at arguably their comedic talents. This movie makes a good pick for any comedy fans looking for a funny and subversive experience in a high school setting. Of course, this film is probably not for everyone, particularly those who don't bode well with raunchy humor and vulgar- filled humor by teenagers. Otherwise, this film is worth watching.