Adventureland
United States
2009
107 Min
Color
1.85:1
English
Synopsis
In 1987, James Brennan’s dreams of a summer European tour before studying at an Ivy League school in New York City are ruined after his parents have a severe career setback. As a result, James must get a summer job to cover his upcoming expenses at the decrepit local amusement park, Adventureland, where he falls in love with a witty co-worker, Emily Lewin. In that bizarrely shady workplace, the young carnies have unforgettable and painful learning experiences about life, love and trust while James discovers what he truly values. —IMDb
Director
Greg Mottola
Gregory J. “Greg” Mottola (born July 11, 1964) is an American filmmaker, screenwriter and television director. Mottola wrote and directed the 1996 independent film The Daytrippers, then concentrated for several years on directing in television for series such as Undeclared and Arrested Development. More recently, he has directed the feature films Superbad, Adventureland, and Paul.
Mottola grew up in Dix Hills, New York, in a Catholic family of Irish-Italian descent. He received his BFA in art from Carnegie Mellon University and MFA in film from Columbia University.
Mottola directed Adventureland, set in the 1980s, a “first love” story about a group of college-age kids working at an amusement park. The protagonist’s plans go awry when circumstances cause him to miss out on a backpacking trip to Europe with his friends. It premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and received critical praise.
His most recently released film, Paul, is about two comic book nerds… read more
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Lee
5Apr13
Not my cup of tea but I didn't expect myself to like it. I couldn't care less about effed up, rich kids who supposedly are college grads but behave like a bunch of pubescents. Yes, I did sigh as soon as Kristen Stewart appeared on screen. The only character she can play convincingly is the troubled stoner girl, which she is here so can't complain too much (I still don't think she's a good actress).
Filipe F. Coutinho
1Apr13
Mostly a hit-or-miss nostlagia trip but that "don't dream it's over" sequence was surprisingly romantic.
StellaWasaDiver
4Mar13
"What are you majoring in?" "Russian literature and Slavic languages." "Oh wow, that's really interesting." "Yeah." "What career track is that?" "Cabbie, hotdog vendor, marijuana delivery guy. The world is my oyster." -Martin Starr. We need a still of Bill Hader going off with the bat.
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A Little Big Star: Alex Chilton and the Movies
By Glenn Kenny on April 14, 2010
The death of musician Alex Chilton in the middle of last March brought an untimely end to a very unusual career. Only 59 at the time of his
ADVENTURELAND Review
By Twitchfilm.com on May 17, 2011
Having been able to see Adventureland in advance of its US theatrical opening yesterday, I’ve been rather lazy about posting my thoughts in a formal review. Frankly, I was led astray by the trailers and
ADVENTURELAND Review
By Twitchfilm.net on July 17, 2010
Having been able to see Adventureland in advance of its US theatrical opening yesterday, I’ve been rather lazy about posting my thoughts in a formal review. Frankly, I was led astray by the trailers and
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Reviews
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Teen Angst Bulls-eye - 4 stars
By lolo341 on November 27, 2011
Adventureland is set in the same era as Judd Apatow’s charmingly brilliant Freaks & Geeks, but Gregg Mottola’s vision of the late-80s is much sweeter and relaxed in this film than anything the… read review
Untitled
By Halim Cillov on October 8, 2009
I was very pleasantly surprised by this film. I wasn’t expecting much, but what I have encountered was a very identifiable and enjoyable coming-of-age story, with an Amazing (yes, with a capital A… read review
Untitled
By Ryan Borja on September 23, 2009
This is one of the better coming-of-age films I’ve watched in years. Though sometimes the story meanders near the last part, however, such is easily forgiven given the way this film establishes itself… read review
Untitled
By Anthony on September 21, 2009
I originally wanted to give this film four starts but though better of it after second consideration, although interesting and funny at times, Greg Mottola’s semi-autobiographical film set at a second… read review
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