'Superbad' on track to become classic comedy
New teen movie full of raunchy laughs, delivers relateable coming-of-age message
Posted on August 27, 2007
Every summer, teen comedies grace the big screen, attempting to become iconic staples of pop culture. Many of these “coming-of-age” movies don’t stick around and are easily forgotten. However, some portray real life in a timeless fashion, placing them in a league of their own. This summer, “Superbad” is one of the movies that will stand the test of time and might just be one of the greatest comedies of our generation.
The comedy tag-team of Evan (played by Michael Cera, “Arrested Development”) and Seth (played by Jonah Hill, “Knocked Up”) play the parts of desperate and horny high school kids to a tee. Joining them is newcomer Christopher Mintz-Plasse who steals the show with his character, McLovin, and is sort of the backbone of this movie. Written by one of today’s most popular comedians Seth Rogan (“Knocked Up,” “40 Year Old Virgin”), also plays Officer Michaels, one side of the pair of crazy cops that continue to pop up throughout the movie.
“Superbad” is simply a comedy about two kids who find themselves at the end of their high school run and have to cope with the fact that after an end-of-the-year party, they might not see each other again. On the surface it seems like an “Animal House” party flick, and there are scenes that contribute to that feeling, but underneath is something much deeper. It’s a movie about change and what happens when people come face-to-face with it. It’s a feeling most people can relate to, and that’s what this movie filled with sexual innuendos, fart jokes and slapstick humor is really about once past the comedic surface.
The reason this movie is so funny and feels so real is because of the people behind it. Producer Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up,” “40 Year Old Virgin”) knows how to relate to his audience better than anybody else today. His comedies are so real that his jokes never feel feel forced or awkward. Every character suffers from stress, relationship problems and all the things that come with daily life. But like Apatow’s others movies, the plot of “Superbad” is very basic and simple, with not much story poured into it.
College students can relate to this movie, since they have recently gone through the same situation as Seth and Evan. From the cursing and beer-guzzling to the friendship between the two main characters, “Superbad” will make you laugh your socks off, but don’t be surprised if it makes you think on the way home.