Life is hard for awkward teen Nick Twisp (Michael Cera – Superbad). His mother Estelle (Jean Smart – 24) has hooked up with yet another loser, this time named Jerry (Zach Galifianakis – The Hangover) who has ripped off some sailors. He needs to get out of town quickly so Nick, Estelle and Jerry head to the woods for a weekend away. Whilst there Nick is introduced to a beautiful young girl named Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday), a vivacious soul who wants out from her overbearing parents. Nick’s problem is that he over thinks things and is worried that he will lose out on snapping up Sheeni, especially since she has an on-off relationship going with a boy at her school. So drastic measures need to be taken if Nick is to get his girl, and out manifests Nick’s alter-ego Francois Dillinger - a bad boy from the wrong side to the tracks who will stop at nothing to make sure Sheeni is his.
Youth In Revolt is a hilarious movie fresh with ideas and a warm sentimentality. It manages to couple a heartfelt teen romance around genuine slapstick and visual gags with a script thankfully lacking any pretence. What is abundantly clear with Youth In Revolt is that you are watching a very funny film made by people who truly understand comedy.
The movie contains some amazing stand-out performances from an impressive ensemble of talent. Leading the way is Michael Cera who does exceptionally well playing the dual role of Nick Twisp and bad boy Francois Dillinger. He has been guilty of playing the same character quite a lot recently. That trend continues here but for some reason it just seems to work a whole lot better in Youth In Revolt. Cera has some hysterical one-liners too including gems like “I want to wrap your legs around my head and wear you like the crown that you are” and the unforgettable “I want to tickle your belly button… from the inside”.
The fantastically named Portia Doubleday has all the makings of a great actress. She plays the object of Nick’s affections with just the right amount of savvy and seductiveness. It’s a performance that can easily make any young man fall for her and that’s just what was needed for Sheeni Saunders to work onscreen.
Screen legend Fred Willard is brilliant as Nick’s sympathetic neighbour Mr. Ferguson. The scene where he is tripping after smoking some special cigarettes is hilarious. Ray Liotta pops up in a nice cameo role and the always reliable Jean Smart does well as Nick’s man-hungry mother. Justin Long, Steve Buscemi, M. Emmet Walsh and Zach Galifianakis all hand in noteworthy cameo appearances as well.
Youth In Revolt is a great comedy that has a very 80’s feel to it. The jokes come thick and fast but are never gratuitous or blatant, and the inventive use of animated cut-scenes and a crisp narrative help make this a must-see movie. Young love has never looked so awkwardly good.
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