Adventureland (2009)

In the summer of 1987, a college graduate takes a 'nowhere' job at his local amusement park, only to find it's the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

Director:

Greg Mottola

Writer:

Greg Mottola

Stars:

Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jesse Eisenberg	...	James Brennan
Kelsey Ford	...	Arlene
Michael Zegen	...	Eric
Ryan McFarland	...	Brad
Jack Gilpin	...	Mr. Brennan
Wendie Malick	...	Mrs. Brennan
Matt Bush	...	Tommy Frigo
Todd Cioppa	...	Velvet Touch Manager
Stephen Mast	...	Rich
Kristen Wiig	...	Paulette
Bill Hader	...	Bobby
Martin Starr	...	Joel
Adam Kroloff	...	Adult Contestant
Kristen Stewart	...	Em Lewin
Kevin Breznahan	...	Molly Hatchet T-Shirt Guy

Storyline

In 1987, James Brennan's dreams of a summer European tour before studying at an Ivy League school in New York City are ruined after his parents have a severe career setback. As a result, James must get a summer job to cover his upcoming expenses at the decrepit local amusement park, Adventureland, where he falls in love with a witty co-worker, Emily Lewin. In that bizarrely shady workplace, the young carnies have unforgettable and painful learning experiences about life, love and trust while James discovers what he truly values.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | amusement park | summer job | generation x | fictional theme park | 

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Taglines:

It was the worst job they ever imagined... and the best time of their lives.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, drug use and sexual references

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 April 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Adventureland - Job d'été à éviter

Filming Locations:

950 Brodhead Road, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$5,722,039 (USA) (3 April 2009)

Gross:

$16,025,394 (USA) (22 May 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Miramax, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, This Is That Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In early versions of the script, the musician idolized by James (Jesse Eisenberg) and many of the surrounding characters was Neil Young. Originally it was written that Connell (Ryan Reynolds) had played alongside Young and was idolized by the characters. The musician was eventually replaced with Lou Reed, the late singer of The Velvet Underground.

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Goofs

When Frigo is seen shooting off fireworks, Brennan is wearing 2004 New Balance 574s.

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Quotes

James Brennan: [after being told that Lisa P. is back] Who's Lisa P?
Joel: [Points] That's Lisa P.
[They watch her walk and turn around]
Joel: Oh my God, look at the shape of her ass. It's a platonic ideal. That ass is a higher truth. Look, look at that little portal of light, just below her crotch, right where the thigh meets the pudendum.
James Brennan: The pudendum? Are you pre-med?
Joel: I'm telling you, man, I've had dreams about that diamond-shape portal.
[Joel stands up]
Joel: Oh shit, she's coming over here, man. Be cool.
James Brennan: Okay, I'll try to ...

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Crazy Credits

A commercial for the Adventureland amusement park can be seen during the end credits.

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Connections

References Asteroids (1979)

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Soundtracks

American Patrol March
Written by F.W. Meacham (uncredited)
Arranged and Performed by Bob Stuhmer
Courtesy of Notable Tunes

User Reviews

clever, witty, and absolutely enjoyable

So I saw "Adventureland" at an advanced screening and I found it to be quite entertaining and funny with a certain "real & genuine" vibe. It takes place in the mid-80's and involves a college grad played by fairly newcomer, Jesse Eisenberg who takes a job at a local amusement park to save money in hope to go to New York. Though the job maybe dreary; he finds himself having the best time of his life. I personally loved how director, "Greg Mottola" incorporated a few clever sequences one involving "weed cookies" which just made it diverse to other teen comedies. The music was typical 80's which also made the movie that much more fun! I particularly loved "Lou Reed." All in all the story and characters were enjoyable to watch and you can truly find yourself relating to them. It may not compare to movies such as "Superbad" comedy wise because it is much more of a semi "dark humor" type reminiscent to "Juno." Genuinely speaking, I personally really enjoyed this movie and would actually see it again with friends at the theater for a good time, which I can't say I would for the majority of other teen comedies out there.