Youth In Revolt - Review

Youth In Revolt

Nick Twisp(Michael Cera) is a teen with above average intelligence. He reads classic prose, likes Frank Sinatra and is an aspiring novelist. He lives with his mother Estelle Twisp(Jean Smart) who is currently dating a truck driver Jerry(Zach Galifianakis) who also happens to be a pathological liar. His dad George Twisp(Steve Buscemi) is currently jobless and is dating the wonderful 25-year old Lacey(Ari Graynor). Nick is irritated with everything around him, which includes his last name as well, and to top it off he is still a virgin.

When Jerry sells a no good car to a couple of sailors, Nick and his mother escape with Jerry to the peaceful, religious town of Okiah where they go to a trailer park aptly named “Restless Axles Trailer Park”. This is where Nick meets Sheeni Saunders(Portia Doubleday), the girl of his dreams. Sheeni is an intellectual, beautiful girl who has a major fascination with France. Nick falls in love with her at first sight and wishes to have babies with her. But in the way of his dreams and plans are a lot of people and problems. Firstly there is this perfect guy Trent who Sheeni is dating, then there are Sheeni's parents who are religious fanatics. Nick has always been this sweet kid who is polite to everyone around him, but now he realises that to get the girl of his dreams he has to change his whole personality and become a total opposite of what he has been for the past 16 years. But in doing so he commits some crimes and is on the run from the cops. All this is very exciting for Sheeni. In the picture then comes Sheeni's brother Paul Saunders(Justin Long) who should be given a special mention for playing a short but hilarious role. He is this marijuana smoking, mushroom eating, hippie kind of a guy who just happens to come from nowhere. All this makes a lot of chaos by the end, and Nick is confused whether he should still be that bad ass or be what he actually is, a sweet little virgin.

This is not your typical teen romantic comedy but its not all that great either. Michael Cera has nearly perfected in playing a nerdy looking sweet boy character but now it looks a little repetitive. Lets hope he grows up soon and plays different roles. Portia Doubleday has acted decently well but at times looked like she was trying to act a little too old. Steve Buscemi and Zach Galifianakis don't have a major role in the film but they do their part nicely. Justin Long put a refreshing touch to the film.

Go watch it once. A light hearted movie with some funny scenes here and there.

(6/10)

Sir Rachit Varma