Have you ever wished that one more movie with the true essence a decade (70s, 80s, 90s) would be released in theaters? I always hoped for one more generation defining 80s movie; the kind that Anthony Michael Hall and James Spader would star in, or perhaps a Rodney Dangerfield or Tom Cruise, or even Chevy Chase. Finally, my cinematic wish has been received and made into a reality.
Adventureland is a film that had it been released in 1983 it would still be watched today like Caddyshack is. It also in a bizarre way reminds me of Risky Business. Coming of age tales seemed so much more compelling during the 80s. The 80s represented the merger between innocence and experimentation. The 80s generation enjoyed rock and roll, risqué movies, new fashion styles (hit or miss), and had been the last generation to take both partying and wielding values seriously. There is an indefinable quality about cult classic 80s movies. Having a formula for success however does not guarantee triumph. The director, and the actors of Adventureland took the film seriously and gave it everything they had. Casting was clearly of heightened importance for the producers. For a star of the caliber of Ryan Reynolds to take this movie seriously and to play a role so convincingly means that the film meant something to the cast members.
The two stars are Jesse Eisenberg and Kristin Stewart (Jumper, Twighlight). Stewart steals the show with an 80s movie star appearance, a penchant for shyness and coyness, and an unusual yet appealing sexuality. After watching her awkward performance at the end of the movie Jumper, it seemed that a thirty second clip would launch a career. Twighlight in and of itself proved to be a disaster of a film. It lacks sizzle, class, style, logic and seems to be a reality T.V. vampire movie rather than something in the mould of a Fright Night or a Queen of the Damned. Adventureland is her bright and shining moment, her chance to show the world her unique acting talents. The movie is comparable to a John Cusack chasing the girl picture. It simply is a delight and one that ordinarily would be a late night DVD choice, but for a good memory and a real flashback, should be consumed at the Cineplex, and now, thankfully, on DVD.
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