Director: Miguel Arteta
Writers: Gustin Nash, C.D. Payne (novel)
Rated: R (language, drug use)
Starring: Michael Cera, Portia Douleday, Jean Smart, and Ray Liotta

Youth In RevoltMichael Cera plays Nick Twisp, a beyond-his-years high school geek determined to lose his virginity to his dream girl. After his mom (Jean Smart) brings home her new boyfriend (Zach Galifianakis) and his problems, the family is exiled to a trailer park. In comes Sheeni Saunders played by the beautiful Portia Doubleday who immediately wins the spot of Nick’s dream girl. Sheeni, who has an equally wise and refined persona, takes a liking to Nick as well but it may not be enough. The solution: Nick creates an alternate personality to help him be the person he thinks Sheeni wants.

Though the character of Nick is again Michael Cera playing a Michael Cera role, his inner bad-boy, Francois Dillinger, was a nice change for him and was the difference between this movie turning into another typical teen raunchfest. The chemistry between Cera and Doubleday works, and the offbeat romance is ultimately touching. This movie saves itself from being another teen sex comedy by having an imagination, not taking itself too seriously, and grabbing outstanding performances from the whole cast (including a few awesome cameos).

Youth in Revolt is a welcomed teen comedy in a time where creativity rarely resides anymore. Cera has yet to really surprise me with his abilities outside of his comfort zone, however the little taste of Francois gives me hope. Ultimately this film was a pleasant surprise and a fun take on the teen romance.
IMDb/trailer | Official site

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