Rating of
3.5/4
Superbad in a Good Way
Chris Kavan - wrote on 09/09/07
I'm convinced that the future of comedy rests in the hands of Judd Apatow and his circle of friends. First there was 40-Year Old Virgin, then Knocked Up and now Superbad. I have yet to be disappointed - and continue to be pleasantly surprised.
For a film that was started by two 13-year-olds (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg) this holds up surprisingly well, though I'm sure there were plenty of rewrites involved. The idea is old as teen comedies - a group of friends looking to score with the girls before graduating - however, what sets Superbad apart is that it manages to be both smart and funny. The dialog comes at you at warp speed - it's vulgar yet witty and it doesn't feel strained.
I have to give credit to Seth (Jonah Hill), Evan (Michael Cera) and McLovin (a great find in lovably nerdy Christopher Mintz-Plasse) - they work together great - like they really did go to high school together for three years. As a fan of Arrested Development for years, it's great to see the hilariously droll Cera paired with the loud, obnoxious Hill - it's like the R-rated Odd Couple - though it's also great to see Cera cuss like a sailor when the need arises.
Aside from the three leads, Seth Rogen and Bill Hader are also welcome as a duo of fun-loving cops (no really) who take "McLovin" under their wing on a wild night. The whole story takes place over one night, but there is some surprisingly good character development in that time. The females in the story are relegated to minor parts, but make no mistake, they do have a major impact in the story.
Aside from the language, Superbad is relatively tame in the gross out department - aside from one unforgettable dance scene and a few spew moments. The main high point is in the banter between the actors, which is nonstop and hilariously quotable.
