For a while now, there has been a worry that Michael Cera has been getting typecast as the awkward, bumbling teen after his superb turns in Arrested Development and Superbad. Youth In Revolt gives the gifted actor a chance to spread his wings somewhat.
Directed by Miguel Arteta (The Good Girl) Cera stars as Nick Twisp a lonely child of divorce who is desperate to meet the girl to take his virginity. After a his Mothers boyfriend (Zach Galifianakis in another small but brilliant role) has a run in with some sailors Nick ends up at a trailer park while it all blows over where he meets and falls in love with Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday)
This is where the trailer is a bit misleading. It would have you believe that Nick can't get the girl so thats why he creates his 'alter ego' Francois Dillinger but in fact he can get the girl but needs to live near her so the 'supplementary personality' is created to get Nick in enough trouble he will be sent to live with his Dad (the always great Steve Buscemi)
So starts a hilarious chain of events as Nick and Francois try to get close to Sheeni.
Cera is truely superb in both roles. His usual awkward teen character is perfect for the film and it is an absolute blast to see him as the rebellious Francois especially in a scene where he tries to bed Sheeni ("I want to wrap your legs around my head and wear you like the crown that you are")
The support is also brilliant with some great small roles from Galifianakis, Buscemi, Ray Liotta as a slightly sleazy cop, Justin Long as Sheeni's stoner brother and the legendary Fred Willard as Nicks overenthusiastic neighbour.
Hopefully this will mean a bit more variety in roles for Cera (being seen next in Scott Pilgrim) although an Arrested Development movie is on the cards which would mean going back to the well one more time.
****
Michael Cera has his best role(s) yet in this sweet, funny comedy. Highly recommended.
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