Saturday, August 18, 2007
Superbad is Just Super
"I am McLovin.” I’ll be irritating co-workers and near-spouse with that for weeks to come.
Sorry about that, folks.
There is nothing surprising about the plot of Superbad, a teen sex comedy focusing on a trio of soon-to-be high school grads in search of booze, lovin’, and a way to cope with their changing world. To say that it had depths far beyond that simple premise would be a lie--it’s a quick and quick-witted comedy with just the right balance of naughtiness and almost-heartwarming moments, but it never delves into mawkishness.
And don’t underestimate the naughtiness. Superbad is gleefully obscene and uproariously profane. The jokes are filled with bad words and center on bodily fluid and porn in a way that mirrors the reality of a teen boy’s mind; not all of the jokes are scatological, but don’t bring oversensitivity through the theater doors or you’re bound to be offended. It’s saving grace is, of course, the love that the characters share for each other and the laugh out loud bits that are scattered throughout. It’s just a bonus that Seth Rogen and Bill Hader are perfect as two police offers far more delinquent than any of the teens. The Moral Majority types won’t be pimping this one out, but I’d bet that even they would find themselves laughing at a lot of the bits.
It’s funny, it’s fun, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. The only thing that keeps it from being a truly great teen sex comedy is the almost complete miss on gratuitous nudity. Phoebe Cates and Jennifer Jason Leigh may regret their early career exhibitionism, but a few generations of young men are forever grateful for their generosity. Superbad doesn’t aim for any great heights, though, but that’s one of it’s charms. It delivers precisely what it promises: raunchy, giddy jokes with a touch of heart.
Truly, the worst part is that you’ll probably see it in a theater full of teenagers a lot like those in the movie--and they’re easier to take on the big screen than in the seat right next to you.

Comments & Trackbacks
I am DYING to see that movie!
I actually went to see it last night and came home with every intent of writing up a review. Nothing cools your enthusiasm to write like having to clean up a huge pile of doggy poop as soon as you get home from the movies, though.
Anyway, go see it. I’m betting that you’ll love it--I think it’s your kind of funny.
The Akron Beacon Journal agrees with you: http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/9211951.html
Jerry, that review hits it perfectly. As a side note, one of the few things that would have made it better is if I had went out, had a few beers with an old high school buddy, caught the movie, and had those laughs with a friend instead of a movie theater full of people I didn’t know.
The thing that got Josh and I together, the proverbial straw to the camel’s back, was Clueless. With Alicia Silverstone Clueless.
I’m betting it is exactly my sort of funny.