'Superbad' is the next film up in a line of hit comedies from producer (and often writer/director) Judd Apatow, and it is arguably his best yet. While 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' lagged in parts and 'Knocked Up' was a little on the sweet side, both were entertaining and noteworthy films. 'Superbad' trumps both of those while steering the funny in a bit of a new direction.
Seth Rogan, who has starred in the two aforementioned films, has become somewhat of a strange muse in the ever-expanding Apatow legacy. Along with his childhood friend Evan Goldberg, the two conceived the story and wrote 'Superbad''s screenplay when they were teenagers. Their two namesakes are ideally portrayed by relative newcomers Jonah Hill (Seth) and Michael Cera (Evan). Hill is the embodiment of the overweight and less intelligent but sex-obsessed best friend, while Cera takes his nerdy character George Michael Bluth from the hit show Arrested Development to new levels of subtle absurdity.
Joined by uber-geek Fogell (fresh-faced Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who scores a fake ID and goes by the alias McLovin, the three embark on a day-long adventure trying to procure alcohol for a raucous graduation party, running from two dim-witted and party-fueled police officers (Rogan and 'SNL' cast member Bill Hader) and trying to get laid for the first time by their female crushes.
The storyline follows a precedent set up by major teen movies like 'Dazed and Confused' where the plot takes place all in one day, spilling over to the next morning. In the course of 24 hours, the main characters jump from seedy bars, sketchy parties and the back of police cars, never letting go of the booze they illegally purchased (and stole in one case) and the dreams of finally losing their collective virginities. True, the plot may not be 100% original, but it is the strong comedic writing, the understated acting of Cera and the over-the-top monologues and actions of Hill that make the movie fresh and memorable. The characters go through some hilarious blunders and find themselves in the most embarrassing situations of their lives, all the while learning the values of real friendship and a deep sense of adventure that pushes them to their emotional, physical and sexual limits.
The Apatow-produced 'Superbad' features all the raunch and sleaze you would expect from the producer and his band of talented actors (and writers), but is done cleverly and with superb wit. The story does become far-fetched at times, but these moments are just some of the sacrifices made for the great cause of comedy. 'Superbad' does a fantastic job of depicting the horrors and embarrassment of high school and illustrating the teenage male's conquest for first-time sex. If any of that is lost in the mix, then at least it'll have you laughing your head off!
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