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"Superbad" is a film that revels in what it's like to be a teenager without papering over the nasty bits, the crushing embarrassments and social ineptitude. The characters feel true to life even if the whirlwind of weird situations they find themselves in is a bit contrived. Greg Mottola's ... Read review
Superbad, for many, was the surprise hit of the year. Yet when you consider the comedy ... more
pedigree sitting behind the camera, perhaps its not that much of a turn up. Director Greg Mottola, for instance, cut his teeth on episodes ofArrested Developmentand ...
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Superbad, for many, was the surprise hit of the year. Yet when you consider the comedy ... more
pedigree sitting behind the camera, perhaps its not that much of a turn up. Director Greg Mottola, for instance, cut his teeth on episodes ofArrested Developmentand ...
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Two socially inept teenage boys are about to graduate high school. Evan (Michael Cera) is ... more
sweet smart and generally terrified. Seth (Jonah Hill) is foul mouthed volatile and all-consumed with the topic of human sexuality. Seth and Evan want nothing...
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Superbad, for many, was the surprise hit of the year. Yet when you consider the comedy ... more
pedigree sitting behind the camera, perhaps its not that much of a turn up. Director Greg Mottola, for instance, cut his teeth on episodes ofArrested Developmentand ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
From the guys who brought you Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin comes Superbad. Seth ... more
(Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) want nothing more than to hook up with girls they like before they head off to college. To do that, though, they need to get a...
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: It feels like it's really about teenagers. Disadvantages: The expletive count is high and many gags are in poor taste.
Best friends Evan and Seth have to face the prospect of leaving high school and going to different colleges. They plan to go out with a bang by going to one final party and hoping they get lucky with some of their female classmates. But things are never that easy; first they have to get hold of some booze. Then there's the small matter of their geeky acquaintance Fogel tagging along and a couple of strange local cops who are determined to prove how ... ...independent would be so hard?
From the same stable that created "Knocked Up" and "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" comes this riotous romp of politically incorrect but strangely warm-hearted teen comedy. Director Greg Mottola re-teams with his "Undeclared" mates to create a highly improbable but emotionally truthful movie that has a far higher gag ratio and much more near-the-knuckle humour than any other high ... more
Best friends Evan and Seth have to face the prospect of leaving high school and going to different colleges. They plan to go out with a bang by going to one final party and hoping they get lucky with some of their female classmates. But things are never that easy; first they have to get hold of some booze. Then there's the small matter of their geeky acquaintance Fogel tagging along and a couple of strange local cops who are determined to prove how cool they are. Who would have thought learning to be independent would be so hard?
From the same stable that created "Knocked Up" and "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" comes this riotous romp of politically incorrect but strangely warm-hearted teen comedy. Director Greg Mottola re-teams with his "Undeclared" mates to create a highly improbable but emotionally truthful movie that has a far higher gag ratio and much more near-the-knuckle humour than any other high school movie I have ever seen. The visuals are bright and shiny; quite a bit of money has clearly been spent on the film, though it feels like it's gone more on the cast than the anonymous locations. There are perhaps a few too many montages as Mottola makes the most of Jonah Hill's improvisations as Seth, a dodgy Saturday night out and Seth's unfortunate childhood affliction. He makes the controversial decision to cast actors who actually look like they might actually be at high school; so there are lots of gawky, spindly and fat people who don't appear to have quite grown into their faces or bodies yet. It adds a layer of authenticity often missing from this kind of film. The movie captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager; the desperate need to be grown up and the attendant neuroses that come from not quite knowing what you're doing. There's a lovely scene where Seth drunkenly confesses how he feels about Evan, before the inevitable discomfort of the sobered-up morning after.
You get the impression the film's going to be a bit quirky from the opening credits that have the leads dancing to 70s' funk in silhouette. This is followed through by underlining that most of the characters are a little left of centre. But Mottola allows them to develop naturally and lets them remain human instead of just being comic constructs. That's not to say the film isn't funny - it's hilarious in places and in spite of the high gag ratio, there's a lot of warmth to temper the gags, so you feel for the characters. The jokes come thick and fast and though sometimes in questionable taste, the director's timing can't be faulted. He nails the gag and moves along, safe in the knowledge another will be along shortly. The pacing is sharp and there's no time to get bored during the always entertaining hundred-and-fourteen minute running time.
The screenplay by cast member Seth Rogen and his former "Da Ali G Show" writing partner Evan Goldberg is apparently based on them as teenagers. They haven't even bothered to change the names of the lead characters. But this could be why the film feels so truthful in so many ways; because the writers know the players inside out. As a result they are the most fully-formed of the characters, whereas the police officers are more fanciful and Fogel is closer to a handy stereotype. But the film works because there's a good balance of real characters in way-out situations. No matter what the event, the players' reactions to it are realistic (usually involving lots of swearing and running away). Consequently you feel for them as they try to work their way out of whatever mess they've got themselves into. It is perhaps pushing credibility that so much happens in a single day and night, but this keeps the pace chugging swiftly along and allows for a great deal of comedy. A lot of the comedy comes in slightly tangential conversations that feel like they occur spontaneously. The jokes cover character and situation comedy, with plenty of room for observational humour and some gross-out gags. The dialogue is snappily written, and loaded with expletives and one-liners. Among my favourites is the assertion that one of the characters "look[s] like a future paedophile" or one of the police officer's comments that "If the man had ejaculated and then punched you in the face, then we'd have a real chance of catching him!"
Rising star Jonah Hill is beautifully cast as the foul-mouthed Seth. I've seen him in quite a few films recently and he has a tendency to overdo the comic aspects of characters. But here he pitches the part just right. He's initially very unlikeable because he is angry, shouty, sex-obsessed, inappropriate, selfish and sarcastic. But his problems seem to stem from a believable inner place and insecurities, so it works and you can feel for him. Michael Cera is Hill's polar opposite in terms of looks and attitudes as Evan. He's the skinny, sensitive one prone to nervous talking and being a bit nerdy. But he's also sensible and genuine so he's the one you really feel for throughout because you know he has to cope with his best mate all the time.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse is a real find as gangsta-speaking über-geek Fogel. He looks the part as he is pasty, scrawny, bespectacled and has a lisp. But he's also very natural in front of the camera and has good comic timing and a firm grasp on physical comedy. I hope to see more from him. Seth Rogen and Bill Hader are tremendously good value as police officers Michaels and Slater respectively. They have great chemistry with each other, making the most of their screen-time, bouncing off one another and lighting up the screen. Rogen is the irresponsible, clueless one, at home with abusing his position and being a sci-fi geek, while Hader is the nerdier of the two. Essentially the pairing shows how Seth and Evan are likely to turn out.
The original music by Lyle Workman is somewhat unusual in that he has written a score for a high school movie that isn't loaded with crunching guitar riffs. Instead we are treated to a great deal of brassy funk with lots of slap bass and wock-a-chocking guitars. It shouldn't work but somehow it does, acting as an amusing adjunct to the main action without overpowering it. We're also saved the usual grab-bag of of-the-moment hits and instead get brief snatches of "Panama" and a harp-led version of "PS I Love You".
"Superbad" is a film that revels in what it's like to be a teenager without papering over the nasty bits, the crushing embarrassments and social ineptitude. The characters feel true to life even if the whirlwind of weird situations they find themselves in is a bit contrived. Greg Mottola's direction is capable, the writing is sharp and the performances committed and believable. It's fast-paced and funny but filthy. It's not a film for those of a sensitive disposition, but if you're a fan of crude humour or you've ever been or known a teenage boy, then you'll probably enjoy this movie on some level.
Advantages: Quite funny, great acting Disadvantages: A little long winded and drags slightly
The story of two friends…
Superbad is based on two friends trying to work their way up the hierarchy of popularity in their high school but soon face separation when they get accepted into different colleges. The main reason for this is that one is a bit of a genius and the other needs a little help with his basic life and social skills, to say the least. They only have a few weeks left before they must leave each other and so time is running out, ... ...virgins! God forbid the thought!
They are asked to collect the alcohol for a party, in doing so they must get fake identification. They cannot let the girls down as they know the only way they will be popular is if they get the booze for everyone. The girls they like are at the party also so they know this is their big and only chance.
Jonah Hill, who has previously been in Evan Almighty and The 40 Year Old Virgin, plays Seth, the chubby geek obsessed ...
christinat 10.01.2009 (12.01.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Superbad (DVD)
Advantages: funny, good acting, original jokes Disadvantages: -
...love a funny film and Superbad provides the laughs. As state before, you won't like this if you're past your teen years or hate immature high school films but if you're younger and liked the American Pie films this will be right up your street. The films I had heard about through my friend, I had seen the posters on buses but wasn't really sure what it was about. My friend recommended it to me and so I went to the Apple site to watch the trailer ... ...could be ok so I decided to take the risk and go to the cinema.
The film begins with us meeting the characters Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) who are leaving high school and have only a few weeks left. The two are going to part ways though because Evan has gotten into Dartmouth and Seth didn't get in. A girl called Jules who Seth likes has invited them to her party but then their friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz Plasse) arrives telling ...
ms19 26.11.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Superbad (DVD)
Advantages: Hilarious comedy, brilliantly scripted Disadvantages: Very offensive in parts
...known as the Frat Pack. Superbad is an 'off-shoot', if you will, of this genre, and features the newer 'stupid comedians', such as writer and actor Seth Rogen, and his younger version, Jonah Hill.
The Plot
Seth, Evan and Fogell are best friends, but Seth and Evan have been virtually joined at the hip since they were at kindergarten. Now, the end of school is looming and college is beckoning. Seth doesn't manage to get into the same school as Evan, ... ...it. The other problem is, neither of them have any experience with the ladies, and they don't want to go to college as virgins.
The girl Seth has fawned over his entire life, Jules, now seems like a possibility for a little action, and likewise for Evan, with a girl named Becca, who blatantly likes him, but he is so paranoid in himself that he can't see it. Jules is holding a party while her parents are out of town, and it just so happens that the ...
pmcds 09.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Superbad (DVD)
Advantages: None that I can think of Disadvantages: Too many to list
...and directed by Greg Mottola, Superbad was released in September 2007.
****The storyline****
This film sees un-popular and geeky school friends Seth (Jonah Hill), Evan (Michael Cera) and Fogel (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) being rewarded with an invite to a party. The boys see this as the best opportunity to hook up with the girls they have been after for a while, before they graduate from school and move away to college.
There is one condition of ... ...of the cinema confused.
Superbad lacks depth and substance and when it finishes it is a definite “what happened there” moment. It may have been the writers’ intention to leave the ending open ended so that a sequel can be made in due course, and if this is the reason why then it has been managed poorly.
The characters are quite believable to some extent and their mannerisms and attitude reminded me of what I was like at high school, although I ...
yackers1 24.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Superbad (DVD)
Advantages: Some good funny bots, good acting, may appeal to younger qudience Disadvantages: Nothing new story wise, very daft at times
After seeing this in Tesco me and hubby thought it sounded good and well worth a watch but oh boy were we both disappointed. The story follows two boys, Seth and Evan who have grown up together and are about to graduate from school. Unfortunately they did not get the same college so they are making the most of the 2 months which they have left before they have to leave. They are determined to get themselves girlfriends so they can become ‘sexually ... ...never get invited to the parties as they are what is called ‘geeks’. Things take a turn for the boys when they actually get invited by a hot girl and they say that they will get the booze for everyone. Seth and Evan enlist the help of their friend Fogell who manages to get a fake ID and says he will use it to buy the booze. The boys set off on their mission but thing go wrong when the liquor store is robbed and Fogell is take by the police. Will ...
sewbizzie 26.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Superbad (DVD)
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Advantages: Great to have these two masterpieces together in one set Disadvantages: Box art isn't great
Possibly the two funniest films to have appeared on our shelves this year have been neatly placed side by side in this hilarious boxset. The two most successful to date titles from Judd Apatow. Knocked up features the beautiful Katherine Heigl and the not so beautiful, but hilarious, Seth Rogan and friends as they discover the ups and downs of surprise pregnancies. This is followed by the equally hilarious Superbad, that was dreamt up whilst Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg were teenagers and finally came to fruition, starring many of the same actors. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are great team and of course the incredibly smooth McLovin, helps to steal the show with his great phrases and whimpering. What a guy! This boxset is a must have since they are both together. Both DVDs contain extra features and it's well worth the cash. ...
Advantages: Funny, Easy going Disadvantages: Different story line may not intrest everyone
Excellent film! Very Funny and enjoyable! The actors are excellent and they work very well together. Must be watched in the cinema to gain full experience and to enjoy the movie to its full potential but by watching it on DVD i still enjoyed it as much as in the cinema
'Mogloven; from thefilm superbad is excellent on role models and is one of the funniest actors.
Very easy going movie which would be good when groups of people want to watch movies together.
It also has a great story line because of the fact that it is different and unexpected but is very enjoyable.
One of the best movies of the year and should be picking up awards as it is excellent. ...
Doylo 27.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Role Models
Advantages: Interesting story line Disadvantages: Not really much of a comedy...
on YouTube ? any film introducing me to new music always gets some credit in my opinion.
General Opinion
The first thing I thought was odd, was that it was filmed in 2007, but took 2 years before it was released. I don?t know if they have done that with many films, I thought normally it?s a pretty quick chain of shoot, produce, release. I was also surprised, that I didn?t hear of it, until I was on Wikipedia, so it wasn?t very well advertised at all. I don?t think I have even seen the DVD advertised.
It is categorised as a comedy-drama, similar to ?Superbad? and such films, so I had expected something somewhat funny. However, it isn?t quite that funny. I mean, there are a few different things that made me chuckle, but I think the film laid more to drama side of things. The storyline, however, was really good, the writer created ...
obscuredbykep 18.08.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Adventureland
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