Youth in Revolt is a Miguel Arteta film starring Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday. This is a coming-of-age comedy, drama and romance story based on the novel by C.D. Payne about the growing pains and misadventures of 16-year-old, Nick Twisp. He’s just like any ordinary pubescent American kid… going through changes and moving from the confines of young boy to young man. Youth in Revolt is about the teen angst and Rebel Without A Cause within every kid… except Nick’s journey is with a cause, her name is Sheeni. The teenagers meet on holiday in a caravan park and after a Summer fling… Nick’s love for Sheeni causes him to rebel in an attempt to be bad and be with her once again.
This obviously sets a great platform for plenty of adventure, comedy and romance with echoes of Outside Providence. Michael Cera is cast as Nick, a great choice… making the kid likable and innocent without being freaked out by his lovestruck pursuit of his dream girl. The role is a bit of a challenge for Cera too, who has become a little typecast since playing George-Michael Bluth in Arrested Development. He’s able to retain the likable, clumsy teen role that’s become something of a call card with similar characters in Juno, Superbad and Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. However, his alter-ego and shoulder devil twin, Francois Dillinger, gives him space to roam onto the unlikable side in Youth in Revolt.
This is an offbeat comedy without any obvious gags – going for a more slanted balance of comedy and drama in the vein of World’s Greatest Dad and The Good Girl. Arteta gives Youth in Revolt license to incorporate mixed media moving from scene-to-scene using various animation-types. Youth in Revolt isn’t strictly commercial or art house. The all-star ensemble would suggest a more commercial orientation featuring: Steve Buscemi, Zach Galifianakis, Fred Willard, Ray Liotta, Adhir Kalyan, Justin Long and Rooney Mara. However, the subject matter is dealt with in an unconventional way, making it more niche with an appreciation for doodle art and fantasy.
The story takes its time to unfold… and there are one or two lagging moments between all the teen revolution and lovesick declarations. These are tempered by superb performances from Cera, who’s roles ironically show a growing maturity in stature as a respected actor. He’s supported by Portia Doubleday, who makes a fresh-faced and proper feature film debut as Sheeni Saunders. The rest of the cast bring the goods, provide a firm foundation for Cera and Doubleday and knock the film up a notch.
Youth in Revolt isn’t the greatest coming-of-age teen story on film. In fact, it would be lucky to be ranked amongst the top contenders. The co-leads boost the appeal and charm of the main characters, while Arteta keeps a lid on the tale with all its messy, fantastic and out there moments. It’s entertaining, fun and for the most part, captures the essence of teen spirit without causing too much offence. Youth in Revolt is a film for those that enjoyed: Charlie Bartlett, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Outside Providence. Cera fans will be delighted and most audiences will agree that Cera’s demonstrated he can lead from the front with good range.
The bottom line: Vibrant.
Screenplay with Spling
Stephen ‘Spling’ Aspeling
www.spling.co.za
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