Movie Review: Youth In Revolt

By Karen Divorty • January 12, 2010 • View Comments

The Teen film is an unscathed genre – teen angst remains fashionable and entertaining, forsaking originality for zest, because these films know it’s about a journey that is always stylish no matter the generation.  Youth in Revolt is heartfelt in embracing the fantasy and ridiculousness of teenhood – resembling cultish 80’s teen films such as Better Off Dead and Real Genius.

Michael Cera is Nick Twisp, a pansy who adores Frank Sinatra, but has grown tired of his virginal existence. The object of his desire comes in the form of Sheeni Saunders (played by newcomer Portia Doubleday), a sweet looker, who loves all things French and whose dream is to someday live in Paris; she believes most people live stunted lives. This propels Nick to want to be a better man.  To change his life, Nick creates a supplementary persona known as Francois Dilinger – a devilish sexpot, with black halos in his eyes, he is a figment of his imagination that inspires him to be bad – he throws his records at him: “you’re not gonna get this girl by sitting around listening to records. It’s time to rebel Nick; it’s time to be bad”.  Nick is the most multi-dimensional character, the adults in his life are a mirth of clichés – his Dad is unemployed (Steve Buscemi), but has a 25 year old budding cosmetologist girlfriend (Ari Graynor); his Mom is a tramp, when her latest boyfriend (Zach Galifianakis) dies, the Cop (Ray Liotta) who tells her the news spends the night with her.

Youth in Revolt seems to revel in the insanity of love and angst often too much, bringing down much of the film’s second act, as it moves far too leisurely in its natural direction. Still it redeems itself with an opus of comedic moments: a thanksgiving dinner where Shenni’s parents are unknowingly drugged by a stuffed mushroom appetizer that her brother (Justin Long) prepared.  Director Miguel Arteta (Chuck & Buck) smartly loads the film with infectious gimmick and exuberance, that includes a vividly shot road trip sequence that has Nick borrowing his friend Vuay’s (Adhir Kalyan) Grandmother’s car, as well as a sexually animated drug trip scene that perfectly symbolizes the films lunacy.

Michael Cera’s stock and trade has always been playing the model teen.  Even though he is further painting his career into a corner with this film, perhaps it will be his swan song to the genre because this is his most comically startling performance – as Francois he truly is a fiendish delight to watch.  In contrast, this is Portia Doubleday first major film role, she flawlessly lends sweetness to essentially a selfish bad girl, who’s on the brink of love – she’s an element that works completely.

Youth in Revolt’s sugary teenage dream must be given into to truly be captivated by it. Be sure you stay for the end credits to see the complete fantasy.

3 ½ /5 stars

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About the Author

Karen Divorty

Karen Divorty is a film geek with an especially wicked tongue and a mind faster than a speeding bullet. When not writing poetry or spec scripts, she is usually planning her next adventure. She currently lives in Toronto, Canada. E-mail her: karendivorty@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter: @killergawp