The Daily Gamecock

Issue date: 8/24/07 Section: The Mix

Media Credit: Special to THE DAILY GAMECOCK Jonah Hill and Michael Cera star as horny, awkward high school buddies Seth and Evan in the new comedy

Superbad
4 out of 5 Stars

Debuting at number one, this summer's crudest comedy, "Superbad," lives up to its boast.

The movie is truly a hilarious epic for this generation.

"Superbad," reminiscent of predecessors such as "American Graffiti," succeeds at acquiring comparable praise.

The authenticity, and often vulgar, honesty of the movie will leave young viewers wincing from reminders of their own embarrassing adolescence.

It's too bad many of the people who would identify with its message are teens too young to view the R-rated film.

The plot centers around senior best buddies Seth and Evan (Jonah Hill and Michael Cera), who fail to get accepted to the same university.

While they avoid facing issues of growing up and perhaps growing apart, the boys promise their crushes alcohol for a huge year-end party.

Both of the actors contribute convincing and earnest performances, establishing an unyielding foundation for the film.

Horny Seth and awkward Evan's plans begin to go sour when they rely on their dorky acquaintance Fogell, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and his newly acquired fake ID.

They berate their friend for believing that his ill-conceived renaming will pass as a legitimate driver's license.

The disarming sarcasm and clever wit of the screenplay combined with the three young actors' conversational chemistry are the formula for this ingenious blockbuster.

When the liquor store is robbed, however, Fogell somehow convinces two dense cops (Bill Hader and Seth Rogen) that he is simply "McLovin, 25-year-old Hawaiian organ donor."

Their adventures grow more implausible and more sidesplitting thereafter.

McLovin joins the dim-witted cops on a riotous escapade around town in their cop car, while Evan and Seth remain under the impression that Fogell has been arrested.

The friends continue trying to determine how they can get to the party with the pledged booze in order to impress the ladies and ultimately get laid.

A captivating movie relies on the number of obstacles impeding the aims of the protagonists.

"Superbad" is never in want of painful predicaments, mostly instigated from the two pals' antics and their inability to reason.

High school, anyone?

Moviegoers will wonder if the creative minds behind "Superbad" possess a phallic complex.

The knowledge that writers Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen began drafting the script at the age of thirteen from their own experiences and adventures only adds to the esteem for the film.

Despite the offensiveness of the language and subject matter, "Superbad" even manages to be charming and genuine at times without seeming trite.

With insecure and endearing heroes like Seth and Evan, even the biggest critic will find it impossible to dislike this movie.

Viewers not insulted by the perverse dialogue will find themselves laughing from the start through the closing credits.

This quotable, teen odyssey will be echoed by fans long after it leaves theaters.

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