Superbad

 

Movie, 2007, R

 

Premise - Two high school losers realize they do not want to graduate without losing their virginities. Having never partied before, they get invited to the biggest graduation party of the year when they agree to bring the alcohol. Now the challenge is to get the alcohol without getting caught, and make it to the party on time to get laid.

Review - Okay, I just wrote a review where basically I found out that, since I was enjoying Booksmart so much, I should watch Superbad because it has the same plot but is the original, 2000's guy version. Also, I just realized that Beanie Feldstein (who plays Molly in Booksmart), is the younger sister of Jonah Hill, who stars in Superbad. What??? Jonah Hill's full name is Jonah Hill Feldstein. Mind blown. 

 

Superbad is a classic 2000's buddy film with some of the biggest names in comedy. This absolutely accelerated the careers of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, with supporting roles by Seth Rogen and Bill Hader that were equally hilarious. With such an all-star cast it is no wonder that the film holds such a legacy and I am surprised I haven't seen it until more than a decade after its release.

 

Of course it's a very strong, well-made film. Some of the jokes don't age the best, particularly when it comes to the objectification of women and the abuse of power by the cops. I'll give some credit to the fact that Michael Cera's character does NOT lose his virginity, respecting the fact that his crush was drunk and not wanting to take advantage of her. That's setting the bar pretty low for respecting women though.

What makes it very distinct from its newer counterpart, Booksmart, is the existence of this whole B-plot that I never could have guessed or expected. And the B-plot is what makes the film so memorable! Though there are two main characters, there is a group of three friends. It's just that while the main two guys are stressing out about getting the alcohol, the third friend is having the time of his life with his fake ID, tons of alcohol, and spending a wild night with the cops. McLovin (the third friend's fake ID pseudonym) is iconic. Of course, the two subplots tie together by the end and the party is had. It's brilliant writing. (92/100)

Quote - "Yeah, McLovin, how is it going with the ladies?" "It's not the going I'm worried about... but the coming."

 

What to watch for - McLovin!! I actually don't have much familiarity with that actor, despite him being such an iconic character. The rest of the main cast though, I of course am VERY familiar with and love. This was also a breakout role for Emma Stone!

If you liked this film, I'd recommend Booksmart!

 

Directed by Greg Mottola

Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing