Living in “Adventureland”

“Adventureland” was directed by the Superbad filmmaker, so it’s not a far cry to expect a super crass movie. Sure, the explicit pot use and sexual references were there, but the movie didn't focus on those aspects. Also, Bill Hader's character was hilarious, but completely underutilized. There should have been more of him being a goofball, and his appearance was rare if well acted and a treat.

The movie really wasn't about the wacky adventures of James Brennan as a carnie, although there were plenty of those moments. It was really a look at life post-college for those who cannot afford an Ivy League education and are "stuck" working a bad summer job in order to save up for school. The plot unfolded with lots of drama as Brennan made friends and enemies at Adventureland, the local “theme” park. In the film, he was a nice, clean cut guy who fell for Emily, played by Twilight star Kristen Stewert. You may keep thinking that you’ll see a vampire or werewolf materialize on screen at any point, but that happens when someone ties themselves with a major franchise like Twilight. Teeny bopper criticism aside, Kristen's character had issues and drove the main conflict of the film.

Lots of themes were dealt with, including grace, forgiveness, gossip, and the consequences of infidelity. It was a rather deeper movie than expected, so be relieved it’s not just another crass-fest (Although the movie did end up in the gutter from time to time.).

Without spoiling the unfolding of the story, Emily did something that really hurt Brennan. So, to deal with that he dated Lisa P., a cutie that all the male carnies drooled over. He also gossiped about Emily’s illicit behavior. This resulted in the whole "staff" knowing about Emily's dirty deed. Emily hurts Brennan, Brennan hurt Emily in return; relationship falls apart. Brennan, in his angst over losing the "girl of his dreams," drives under the influence of pot and some hard liquor he keeps in the front seat. Crashing into his neighbor's tree and taking out her nicely pedicured lawn makes him realize he's got some problems to work through. One strong critique of the movie is that the drug use was never penalized, and that the practice of drinking and driving were condoned. It would have been good to see some police involvement.

There were so many great moments that utilized some amazing truth telling. There was an awkward scene when Emily interrupts her parents entertaining some guests. She's grieving and becomes brutally honest with her parents. Initially, to deal with the uncomfortableness, the "adults" change the subject to how well the step-mom has decorated the place. It was classic! Another moment was when Brennan tells Emily in the pouring rain that he doesn't want to ignore issues between them. The character development that happened here showed an incredibly mature attitude, and well placed in the context of the plot.

The film can be crass at times, sure, but the main theme is about coming of age and learning life-long lessons. Characters aren’t idealized- they’re as human as you and I. This portrayal is critical in how film looks at the human experience, and this movie does a great job of showing growth and journey of a 20-something male in his own adventurland.