6 months in the life of the most love struck, dangerous teenager. The newest release from the brother Weinstien, is the adaptation of C.D.Payne’s seminal coming of age novel about Johnaton Twisp: a young man, 16 going on existential, he has more neurosis than you can shake a stick at. Fans of Edward Norton/Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Tyler Durden in Fight Club will not miss a beat with this edgy, well-written romp through California. Older audience members might exhale with distress at the thought of another summer ruled by apathetic poster boy Michael Cera, but his Johnathon/Francois character delivers, as well as a superb supporting cast: Justin Long, Ray Liotta, Zack Galifianakas, Steve Buscemi and a bonafide star in fresh faced Portia Doubleday. Making her feature debut, Ms. Doubleday more than fills the gap between animated cut scenes, french dubbing, and lesser seen not-so-self-indulgent SoCal backdrops. Witty comedic timing, well-placed track selection, and a much celebrated nod to vinyl enthusiasts and cinema buffs, made this an enjoyable 90 minutes.
“There’s nothing quite as good as vinyl,” is a declaration made during the love-at-first-sight moment between the two young leads. ”I want to tickle your belly button… from the inside.” Had me repeating the same thing later on that night, morning, and this very afternoon. Moments of this film touch on some things in life that most Hollywood comedies won’t ever dare admit to themselves, much less their core demographic. More cameos from the director not withstanding, this looks like a beautiful friendship between yet another Judd Aptow alum & a big box office weekend. I hate to admit it, but I love those kind of movies. I wouldn’t quickly admit to a girlfriend I actually liked it more than a night spent investing into pubs and hookah. Now Playing.
Part of Flux’s on-going screening series, in addition to complimentary cocktails by Belvedere, free popcorn, candy, and “Be Bad” pins, was special guest performer Adele Jacques, playing Serge Gainsbourg covers which are featured on the Youth in Revolt soundtrack. Photography courtesy of Marla Aufmuth
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