Youth in Revolt
2010 is kicking off with another teen angst film, but this one has added some flare. Michael Cera stars as the usual teen nerd Nick Twisp. Nick has many obsessions from Frank Sinatra music to losing his virginity to a live girl. Not exactly your typical teenage boy. His home life does not make things much better as he lives with his mother (Jean Smart) who has a string of men in and out of the home including the comical Zack Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Ray Liotta. Meanwhile his father (Steve Buscemi) lives in another town with his much younger trophy wife.
A life changing event occurs when Nick is forced to leave home with his mother and her latest squeeze for a family vacation to a lakeside trailer park. There he meets Sheeni (Portia Doubleday) a young stunning woman, who has a strange fascination with the French, including their young strapping men. After spending a day at the beach with Sheeni and learning more about her, Nick is immediately intimidated and jealous of her boyfriend. Deciding not to throw the towel in he continues to hang out with Sheeni in the hopes that her admiration will gleam towards him.
He happens to be in luck. His summer love grows and the two are inseparable, despite Sheeni’s bible loving parents who have concerns about Nick.
When it comes time for Nick to return home he is concerned as all he wants to do is be with Sheeni and worries about her potential of meeting another guy. Sheeni convinces Nick to be bad, so bad that his Mom kicks him out to live with his dad who will relocate to Sheeni’s town. Expectations for a wild plan like this to work are farfetched, but when they do it is hilarious. As time is not on Nick’s side will he manage to make it to Sheeni before a Frenchman sweeps her off her feet?
Michael Cera finally steps out to show he does have some alter egos other than his typical nerdy side when Francois takes over. The split personality added just the right spice to this typical adolescent film. Animated sequences are tastefully placed that peak your interest and keep this film exciting. Adding to the laughs are guest spots by Justin Long and Fred Willard. The laughs keep on coming and don’t stop. This defiant and sinful comedy makes for a hilarious start to 2010.
