Youth in Revolt

4 stars

Rating: 18A
Starring: Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday

What’s the story?
Nick Twisp (Cera) is a lonely, sweet, Frank Sinatra loving teen who’s desperate to find a girl to fall in love with. He goes on a vacation, of sorts, with his mother and her current fling to a trailer park where he meets the elusive Sheeni Saunders (Doubleday), who turns out to be the love of his life. Even after Nick gets back home he is convinced he and Sheeni are meant to be together and, with the help his alter ego named Francois, Nick finds the courage and inner-rebel to win her affeection.

Why see it?
If you’re a Michael Cera fan, then Youth in Revolt won’t disappoint. Just like in his, rise to fame role in Juno we see that Cera knows how to use his awkward and undeniable charm to win the audience over, but this time around we get to see a whole new side of his acting ability as he also plays the darker Francois. It’s not a dramatic change but it’s nice to see him portray a different kind of character from the awkward, loveable one we’ve all seen him play before. This movie will definitely have you laughing, if not cringing, at the hilarious and awkward scenes Nick gets himself in to.

Problems?
To say that this movie is a little vulgar would be an understatement. It’s definitely not appropriate for any one under 17 as it is rated 18A for sexual content, language, and drug use. Another negative aspect was that the movie has a really great cast of actors but many characters failed to really develop properly. For example, Justin Long made a few appearances as the stoner brother of Sheeni, and was exceptional in the few scenes he was in, but hardly had any lines.

All in all:
This is definitely not your average rom-com, but you’re sure to leave the theater with a feeling of light-heartedness and a renewed sense of happiness. Along with it being hilarious and original, this would be a great date movie!