Adventureland

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Adventureland

R

2009

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

207 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

It's the summer of 1987, and recent college grad James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) can't wait to begin his long-anticipated dream trip to Europe. Unfortunately, James' plans come to a screeching halt when his parents announce that they are unable to subsidize his trip. Forced to take a job at the local amusement park, James prepares for the worst summer ever, until he finds love with a captivating co-worker named Em (Kristen Stewart).

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Critics Consensus

Full of humor and nostalgia, Adventureland is a sweet, insightful coming-of-age comedy that will resonate with teens and adults alike.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

May 27, 2016

A film so tuned in to the pre-collegiate experience that scenes which play as comedy to some audiences will land as harrowing tragedy to others.

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Nov 6, 2009

C+

Content to occupy that middle ground where insights are authentic but far from revelatory and comedy is more amiable than riotous.

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Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

Sep 18, 2009

4/5

Without recourse to frilly cuffs or a montage to A Flock Of Seagulls' greatest hit, it plays the '80s card for something heartfelt.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Dec 2, 2023

3/4

Eisenberg and Stewart have a low-key chemistry that serves the movie well.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Feb 15, 2023

3/4

Here’s that rare youth flick where it’s actually believable that the brainy guy gets the girl.

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Sep 22, 2022

C-

A rather dreary coming-of-age drama with some witty dialogue and too-broad performances.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 3, 2026

Adventureland is a 3.5 star Movie!!!

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Myra S

@MyraFromOttawa Feb 8, 2026

I can't wrap my head around how a movie with such a talented cast can be this boring, grey, and unfunny. The characters were not likeable. There's no plot. I don't get it

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Mal H.

@pabulum Sep 22, 2025

Perfect coming of age movie, great cast, understated & funny. On par with any similar genre movies from the 80s & captures some real movie magic. One of my all time favourites.

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Victor T

@Vitococine Sep 21, 2025

Es de mis películas favoritas, me encanta la trama, la inocencia de Brennan y como va aprendiendo y madurando ese verano. El final no me gusta mucho porque es muy abierto, quizas me hubiese gustado que se contara un poco mas de la actualidad de los personajes.

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Ed R

@JustcallmeER Aug 9, 2025

I am not sure what to make of this move. So many stars that are limited in their acting prowl.

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Dusty R.

@DustyRhoads Jul 28, 2025

Great story of young love with all of the complications of real life. Interesting arc from dejected to in love to heartbreak and finally forgiveness. All around fantastic film.

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Greg Mottola

Director

Jesse Eisenberg

James Brennan

Kristen Stewart

Em Lewin

Martin Starr

Joel

Kristen Wiig

Paulette

Bill Hader

Bobby

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Synopsis

It's the summer of 1987, and recent college grad James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) can't wait to begin his long-anticipated dream trip to Europe. Unfortunately, James' plans come to a screeching halt when his parents announce that they are unable to subsidize his trip. Forced to take a job at the local amusement park, James prepares for the worst summer ever, until he finds love with a captivating co-worker named Em (Kristen Stewart).

Director: Greg Mottola
Producer: Ted Hope, Anne Carey, Sidney Kimmel
Screenwriter: Greg Mottola
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: This Is That Productions, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 3, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.0M
Runtime: 1h 46m

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