There are always films that seem to define the youth of the decade. In the 1980s, you can make an argument for any of the "rat pack" movies but I remain the closest to John Hughes' The Breakfast Club (1985). In the 1990s, the hilarious and raunchy American Pie (1999) that bookended a great decade of dramatic and comedic cinema. Scott Coffey's newest endeavor Adult World starring the talented and adorable Emma Roberts is a touching and uproariously entertaining comedy about a recent college graduate Amy that believes she's destined to be the next great poet. When things don't go in her favor, Amy gets a job at an adult book store called "Adult World."
Written by Andy Cochran, who has written episodes for MTV's "Teen Wolf" and "Super Sweet 16: The Movie," the first-time movie screenwriter assembles an assortment of creative and unique characters with genuine deeds that feel credible and realistic. Director Coffey does a commendable job transporting the audience through the story , inserting varieties of colors, beats, and instances of emotional connection. It's one of the best films seen at the Tribeca Film Festival and could one of the crowd-pleasing films of the year upon release.
Emma Roberts, best known for her whimsical turns in films like Nancy Drew (2007) and Scream 4 (2011), charms the pants off the audience in her role of Amy. Roberts is head-over-heels hilarious and manages to capture the hearts of all. It's an interesting conundrum that Roberts creates for the viewer, as her piercing voice that should make you pull your hair out, manages to be her supernatural fairy dust that magnetizes our cinematic senses to her cutesy persona. It's a performance that will define her as a capable leading lady with a possible Golden Globe mention to prove the theory down the road in awards season. Roberts is completely lovable.
Roberts cannot take all the credit as the terrific cast that surrounds her are just as remarkable. As the awkward and misanthropic poet Rat Billings, John Cusack delivers one of his better works as of late. Playing extremely well off of Roberts, Cusack's character choices and mannerisms are simply comic genius. Taking a break from the creepy, serial killer that we have grown to love about Evan Peters on FX's "American Horror Story," he plays the sensitive and charming Alex with wonderful restrain. Completely stealing the show and delivering my favorite supporting turn of the year so far is Armando Riesco. Best known for his brief roles in Garden State (2004) and Che (2008), as the flamboyant and lovable Rubia, Riesco commands the screen and steals focus from every actor on set. It's a memorable and dedicating turn by an actor that was in need of a big break into the hearts of viewers. I believe he's found it.
Adult World is a must-see comedy. Heartwarming and beautifully tender, the only flaw the film suffers is being a smidge too long. One of the great things that the Tribeca Film Festival offers, Adult World is an absolute delight.
Read More @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com)
