
Adventureland
2009, Drama/Romance, 1h 46m
219 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Full of humor and nostalgia, Adventureland is a sweet, insightful coming-of-age comedy that will resonate with teens and adults alike. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
James Brennan
Em Lewin
Joel
Paulette
Bobby
Lisa P.
News & Interviews for Adventureland
Critic Reviews for Adventureland
All Critics (219) | Top Critics (66) | Fresh (194) | Rotten (25)
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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.
May 27, 2016 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
February 14, 2012 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… -
Content to occupy that middle ground where insights are authentic but far from revelatory and comedy is more amiable than riotous.
November 6, 2009 | Rating: C+ | Full Review… -
Without recourse to frilly cuffs or a montage to A Flock Of Seagulls' greatest hit, it plays the '80s card for something heartfelt.
September 18, 2009 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Adventureland is reminiscent of indie movies like Breaking Away, Dazed and Confused and Clerks. You could put it another way and say it's not very original. Yet, watching the movie, you're too swept up in James's problems to care.
September 11, 2009 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
As a sweet-natured character comedy - and a subtle exercise in generic boundary-pushing - this is a real charmer.
September 11, 2009 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Adventureland
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Jul 02, 2016Just misses being special. Nonetheless,should appeal to movie goers who don't mind their main character being nerdy dweebs trying to land their first love. For viewers over the age of 35, the film might feel like a ride into memory lane.Aldo G Super Reviewer
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Aug 08, 2014The indie comedy Adventureland is a satirical coming-of-age film from writer/director Greg Mottola. The story follows a young college student named James Brennan who takes a job at an amusement park during the summer of 1987 in order to pay for his tuition. Featuring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, and Margarita Levieva, the cast is fairly strong and delivers some pretty good performances. The writing however, is a little weak and seems a bit unfocused, unsure of what it's trying to say. On the other hand, the soundtrack is remarkably effective at setting a tone and at providing a feel for the characters and settings. Adventureland has some interesting things to say about postmodern youth culture, but it has trouble bringing everything together in a cohesive manner.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Nov 29, 2013A beautiful, well-written and well-filmed comedy that features impressive performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. Between the intimate cinematography to the wonderful soundtrack, Adventureland is a triumph, and a thoroughly enjoyable, honest treat.Matthew Samuel M Super Reviewer
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Oct 01, 2013A beautiful little movie about growing up and finding your first true love. I know, aren't there about a kazillion movies about this subject. Yes there are. This one stands a little bit above the crowd.Lanning : Super Reviewer
Adventureland Quotes
Em Lewin: | Wow. |
James Brennan: | Hi. I just got off the bus. I'm a New Yorker now. I guess I should probably buy an umbrella. |
Em Lewin: | I don't think I can see you. |
James Brennan: | What? |
Em Lewin: | This summer was rough. I did things that I really, really regret. |
James Brennan: | Yeah, me too. I'm sorry I told Lisa P. about you and Connell. She told the rest of the world, but I'm not gonna lie. I was really angry at you but you didn't deserve that. |
Em Lewin: | You know, James, I am so sorry for fucking this up. You were the only good thing that happened this summer. [starts to walk away] |
James Brennan: | Wait, Em! I think I maybe see you a little differently than you see yourself. Yes I see the person who fucked up, but I also see the person who saved me from being knifed over a giant-ass panda, who introduced me to psychotropic chocolate-chip cookies, who stood up for Joel, and who doesn't make apologies for herself. Look, my theory is you can't just avoid everybody you screw up with. And you should trust me, I'm a New Yorker. |
James Brennan: | Look, am I gonna get in trouble? No one's ever supposed to lose a giant-ass panda. |
Em Lewin: | Is it worth getting knifed over? |
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