Youth in Revolt: Film Review
Here’s the thing. If you dress a rhino in a clown suit, it’s still a rhino. If you place a cowboy hat on a panda, it’s still a panda. And whatever film Michael Cera stars in, he’s still Michael Cera.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a fan of Cera up to now. His geeky persona has lent itself well to a litany of films. I got quite a kick out of Juno and Superbad, not to mention the fact that he was the best thing in the disappointing Year One.
The problem is that Youth in Revolt is a film too far for Cera. The backlash has officially begun.
Youth in Revolt: Cera at Fault
If, unlike me, you haven’t tired yet of seeing Cera playing a dorky dweeb, then you’ll be more tolerant of this mild-mannered comedy. Personally, I found myself more frustrated than a Formula 1 driver in a traffic jam.
Cera plays the articulate teen, Nick Twisp, who’ll do anything he can to win the affections of his dream girl Sheeni.
That’s pretty much the plot. Youth in Revolt is more a character study.
Youth in Revolt: A Screenplay Full of Narration
I don’t get what all the fuss is about when it comes to narration. A million and one ‘how to write screenplay guides’ claim it’s a lazy man’s way of conveying exposition, of furthering plot.
I’d argue the opposite. When done properly, narration works. In the case of Youth in Revolt, Cera links the ensuing action together by means of his dry, sarcastic narration.
It’s one of the few successes of the film.
If it succeeds on any level, it’s tapping into the novelistic vibe of its source material, CD Payne’s novel, Youth in Revolt. Cera’s narration really helps in creating this feel.
Youth in Revolt: Not Awful, Not Good
Youth in Revolt is far from awful. The problem is that it’s been done a million times before and a million times better. And the blame doesn’t lie squarely at the feet of Cera. Director, Miguel Arteta, has to shoulder the bulk of responsibility. It was Arteta, after all, who delivered the film which burst the Michael Cera bubble.
There is little doubt Cera has deliberately typecast himself in the quirky mould. It’s what he does best. But if the actor has more than one gear, now is time to shift up a notch.
If you’ve never seen a Michael Cera film before, then quite possibly you’ll fall for the charm of Youth in Revolt.
Those who are familiar with his career though will find nothing new in this film. For Cera, Youth in Revolt is just another day at the office. Now where’s the revolution in that?
Rating: 
– available on Blu-ray and DVD
Jen
12:05 am, August 5, 2010
While I really enjoyed the post, I kinda enjoyed Youth in Revolt. It wasn’t brill or anything, but I’m a big fan of Cera too and hope he branches out a little more after this one.
Jen
adam
6:57 pm, August 5, 2010
Hi Matt,
Never really got the whole Cera thing so Youth In Revolt did little 4 me.
Review hits nail on da head
adam
TJHooker
11:56 pm, August 11, 2010
“a cowboy hat on a panda”….lol….quality…
Matt
11:59 pm, August 11, 2010
Howdy Jen,
We’ll have to wait for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World to see whether Cera is capable of flexing his acting muscles. Looks like a pretty interesting film, so I wait with baited breath!!!!!!
Al
9:42 pm, December 15, 2010
I thought Scott Pilgrim Vs the World was great!
Matt
9:44 pm, December 15, 2010
I enjoyed it too, me weeeeee scotsman
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