Drew's

Date Reviewed	1/15/2010
Title	Youth in Revolt
Rating
Directed By :	Miguel Arteta
Starring :	Michael Cera, Jean Smart, Portia Doubleday, Ray Liotta, Steve Buscemi, Ari Graynor, Fred Willard and Zach Galifianakis
Review	It’s another story about a teenage kid trying to get laid and separate himself from the dreaded title of virgin. Michael Cera stars as the same character you’ve seen him play to date. In “Youth in Revolt”, he goes by the name Nick Twisp. He creates an alter ego so he could break out of his shell named Francois Dillinger. For this he sports a Beastie Boy video mustache and speaks without fear of consequences. That’s one thing about duel personalities. When it’s time to pay the piper, all personalities inside the same body and mind pay the cost of rebellion. The bad boy brings the entire demented team down. His mother, Estelle, in a role by Jean Smart, gets to play her best trailer trash queen. At age forty-eight and weathered through lifestyle, she limits herself with male companionship. The new chunky “it” boy in Hollywood is Zach Galiafianakis. If you need a careless slob to fill casting, he’s your actor. Artie Lange would have landed some of his gigs if he weren’t such an unstable mess. He’s as shady as the darkest spot in a windowless basement. Ray Liotta also gets a crack at mom as a police officer coming to her aide. Steve Buscemi has the part as Nick’s divorced father George. His mid life crisis include a sporty vehicle and young sporty female. Fred Willard is added for additional comedic attempted relief as an activist neighbor, Mr. Ferguson. Michael Cera doesn’t have and may never have the range to truly pull off this part. His tough guy persona is somewhat amusing as he spouts off quick and crisp dialogue as his softer character absorbs the destructive advice with curious wonder. Plus, tight white pants make his bad boy image resemble a guest on a 70s dance show. It’s not quite the look of a villain. He emanates the perception of a meek teenager hoping to get lucky without embodying the traits of a growing Casanova. Some films need to be rated R to obtain laughs. Sure, adult humor is considered at times crude, below the belt and without taste. There are necessary moments to go for the easy sex joke. If the ball is above the net, you might as well spike it. The supporting cast doesn’t have the script to support rapid fire verbal jabs. “Youth in Revolt” has its own “Surrogates” or “Avatar” thing going on since people are trying to create a second character to perform activity the original wouldn’t dare. It’s entertaining enough to warrant a matinee showing only with student identification. That landed mid level on the sarcasm meter reader. Drew's Reviews, copyright 2010, Drewsmoviereviews.com, property of Drew Bean.