"Superbad" is a movie full of vulgarity, sex jokes and situations that aren't new to the teen/high school party movie that we've seen time and time again. What makes this movie different, and in my opinion better then the countless other movies in this genre, is that the script is infinitely better: the jokes are the same, but the way they are deilvered is vastly different. This film carries on the inspiration from other Judd Apatow films such as "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up", where the dialogue is fresh and snappy, delivered in a cocky yet confident way. Superbad gives us countless memorable one-liners that have been quoted ad-naseum since it's release in 2007. There have been many comparisons drawn to "American Pie", another successful high school party movie, but apart from the obvious similarities in plot, I think the comparisons fall flat. Firstly, "American Pie" was released in 1999 and had predictable characters and situations. "Superbad", released 8-years later in 1999, is the teen movie of this generation. The dialogue is more precise, the action is more vivid and less predictable, and the ending is also more original.
In terms of plot, Superbad really doesn't really give us anything new. After a stylish 1970s funk-themed opening dance sequence, we are introduced to three high school seniors who aren't really part of the "scene" at their school: instead of going to weekend parties, they stay at home and do the things that normal teenage boys do. It is coming to the end of their Senior year, and they want to go out with a bang: one big party where they get drunk, and lose their virginity. Let's be honest, every teenage boy has had at least one "big party": that one night where they psyche themselves up beforehand and strive to finally make "that move". Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) are best friends, who are joined in their misadventures by Fogell (Christopher Minz-Plasse), who is even more unpopular then them. Fogell can't even talk to girls, whereas Evan and Seth can at least communicate with them, despite their initial awkwardness. Jules (Emma Stone), Seth's acquired target, immediately places importance on Seth as she gives him the responsibility of getting alcohol for the night's party. This is a big thing for Evan, and more so, Seth as the entire mission and success of the party revolves around them bringing alcohol for the evening. But it all hinges on Fogell, who obtains a fake ID in which he changes his name to "McLovin'". "McLovin", which has become a cult-phenomenon with fans, is Fogell's alter ego, different to him in every way: he is funny, confident, and cool. Along the way the boys experience different adventures, but it is Fogell who udnergoes the most change. He meets two inept police-officers (humourously portrayed by Bill Hader and Seth Rogen) and is embraced and accepted. By the end, Fogell becomes McLovin', and we know that he won't be pushed around in future like he was in the begining.
Seth and Evan's characters are also well written and developed. There is an underlying sense that their friendship is being tested, and by the fact that they are going to different Colleges.It is the inevitable is becoming reality, and this pushes them on to have one "last" bit of fun before they are forced to face the future. In the beginning the boys, particulary Seth, view women as objects that have no feelings. But at the end, their views have changed, and they show a newfound respect that women deserve. Our boys are growing up. And essentially, that is what "Superbad" is about: the inevitability of growing up, and moving on.
"Superbad" is a very funny film with lots of laughs and humorous situations (such as Evan having to break into song to entertain a bunch of crackheads), but it is the emotionally rounded characters that make this movie stand out in an otherwise over-extended and cliched genre. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wrote the first draft of this script when they were 16, with the characters loosely-based on themselves. And I think it shows in the way the story plays out. They've kept it authentic to the generation. The three young actors also do a great job engaging the audience: Hill and Cera compliment each other well, with good chemistry and energy. But the most impressive is Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who fits the role of Fogel/McLovin' perfectly. He does a great job in his first film, beating out hundreds of other auditons to the land part. He has already gone on to further success in such films as "Role Models" and "Kick-Ass" (however, he will have to be careful not to be typecast). My only major problem with this movie, as with other Judd Apatow productions such as "Knocked Up" and "Funny People" is the pacing. It feels ten minutes too long. Some parts, particulary in the middle, play out a little too long and could've done with better editing.
That said, the movie will keep you laughing, and if you can keep up with the inevitable sex jokes and vulgarity that will occur, then this movie will have you saying "I am McLovin'" for sometime after.
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