Apatow Productions strikes comedic gold yet again

Rating: 7/10 (26 January 2009)

To classify SUPERBAD as a teen sex comedy is to do a fresh and funny film a great disservice. SUPERBAD, helmed by Greg Mottola of the Apatow gang, while creating a funny and somewhat raunchy (but not over-the-top) comedy with numerous laughs, manages to bring the characters into the focus and keep them there; not an easy task for a movie of this kind.
Michael Cera's deadpan and sarcastic approach to his character never seems to get stale, and Jonah Hill provides the ultimate opposite, forming a dynamic and funny duo. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is perhaps the most hilarious of the three, as the now infamous McLovin. Seth Rogen is also quite good as the dysfunctional police officer. My biggest gripe here is that the film is too long for its nature (~110 minutes). A more stern film editor may have opted to omit some more superfluous scenes involving the police officers, while concentrating more on the central duo/trio.
SUPERBAD is meant to bring back high-school memories to persons of any age who have had similar experiences, and does so in a relatively tasteful and nostalgic manner, getting most of the key elements right. Not quite comedic genius, but more of a coming-of-age tale. Comedy itself is rather subjective in nature, and a lot will undoubtedly depend on the viewer. Another gem from the Apatow gang. A solid 7/10 and 3 stars (out of 4). Should just about appear in my Top 300 at 277. Recommended.