Superbad

One of the funniest movies I've seen in awhile--I forgot how nice it is (and how rare) just to sit back and watch a movie and laugh almost the entire time.

I avoided seeing Superbad for a long time, as I was expecting yet another stupid, mildly amusing, teenage high school sex movie along the lines of American Pie or (even worse) Porkies. Instead, I was treated to a movie that has a heart and sweetness to go along with the raunch, and oh, also happens to be freakin' hilarious.

The three young leads do a great job as the three nerds that are hoping to get laid in the three weeks before high school is over. They don't play the usual cliched victims, though, and they give their characters some heart, intelligence, and a bit of self-assuredness to go along with their awkwardness. As great as they are, however, Bill Hader and co-writer Seth Rogen steal the show as the former nerds who now have guns and badges. They seriously have me rolling on the couch laughing almost the entire time.

Rogen, who also produced the film, has been involved in some other recent comedy hits (The 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked-Up) that have had a very similar feel. Though not as funny as Superbad, all three movies have a sweetness and honesty at their heart that make them so much more enjoyable and rewarding than most of the inane comedies out there today. Though it may not be all his doing, he seems to have a real talent for getting just the right mix of integrity, sex, and silliness that makes for some really good comedies. I'm looking forward to his other projects (well, with the exception of Drillbit Taylor).

The direction by Greg Mottola is not revolutionary, but he does maintain a nice pacing and balance between the elements of the movie. He seems to have a good feel for comedic timing and set up. It will be interesting to see how he handles his upcoming projects and this seems to be his first major motion picture effort.

While Superbad may not change your life or provide you with any transforming revelations, it will have you busting a gut laughing for an hour or two, and that might, just in itself, be life changing enough. There's nothing better for the soul than laughing out loud. Well, that and looking at dozens of pictures of penises crossing the Delaware, going to school, and landing on the moon.


Superbad (2007)
Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader, Seth Rogen
Directed by: Greg Mottola

(6 out of 7 skinks)