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Rated 3 stars
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ReelTalk Movie Reviews
The Misfit Point-of-View
by Jeffrey Chen

If Seth Rogan has his way, the real "Revenge of the Nerds" will come to pass, where the experiences of our landscape's social rejects pass as the rule and not the exception. Unlike previous teen comedies with which Superbad will be compared, the protagonists here aren't what you'd expect everyday high school kids to be, but they are a part of every high school.

In this case, the main characters, Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), are apparently surrogates of the writers, Rogen (who also appears as a character) and Evan Goldberg, but in the movie they appear to be id and superego personified as general misfit teens, and quite co-dependent of one another. Their comedic adventure, taking place in one day and night in the how-many-crazy-things-can-happen-in-one-evening mode, is a guided tour of what it's like to live in the crucible of dealing with teenage hormones, impulses, desires, and curiosities while always having your self-esteem put at risk.

The best part of all this is how the movie removes attempts at sweetness and sentimentality -- its characters make no apologies for who they are. They just act out, and hilarity ensues. Outside of what feels like a too-conscientious attempt at creating a cult character ("McLovin," played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and a general dismissal of anything resembling reality when it comes to female characters, this is well-written, albeit extremely vulgar, outrageous comedy. The principle actors are exceptionally good, and all social outcasts can live vicariously through McLovin's fantasy-fulfilling subplot. (Capsule review.)

(Released by Columbia Pictures and rated "R" for pervasive crude and sexual content, strong language, drinking, some drug use and a fantasy/comic violent image -- all involving teens.)

Review also posted at www.windowtothemovies.com.


                                                                                                                                                                               
 
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