The ads have been running for months. They touted the fact that the producers of The 40 Year Old Virgin and Talladega Nights were on board. No sooner had Knocked Up become a hit than that title was added to the mix. The trailers looked hilarious in a decidedly sophomoric way. The big question was whether or not it would reach the comedic heights of those other titles, especially since Superbad doesn't have any big names in the lead roles to draw from. The story draws upon other raunchy coming of age flicks like American Pie and Animal House but ratchets up the heart.

Superbad chronicles a day in the life of a couple of high school losers, Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera). I have the suspicion that the genesis of these characters is rooted in reality. The first clue is in the names of the characters — they match up with writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. There is also the fact they began work on the tale when they were teenagers as a reaction to the teen movies that they could not identify with, as well as prove they could write a film. All of this adds up to a feeling of exaggerated authenticity. Superbad excels at combining the believable and the absurd.

Early scenes set up just how big a pair of losers these two are, while also showing the very close friendship the two have developed. These scenes also set the bar for the unrepentant levels of vulgarity that will permeate what is to come. The convergence of foul language, frank discussion of their goals, and the fears that surface as a result become a memorable melange of teenage insecurities.

The story is set into motion when Seth is approached by popular girl (and object of his unrequited affection) Jules (Emma Stone) about supplying booze for a party she is throwing that evening. Seizing the opportunity to shed his loser image, he throws himself into his task. He quickly brings Evan in on the plan.

Evan has a chivalrous idea of love and dating which has prevented him from speaking to the object of his attentions, Becca (Martha MacIsaac). With the alcohol mission, Seth has Evan convinced that this is his ticket to some pre-graduation carnal pleasures. This leads to a series of misadventures as they try to acquire a laundry list of liquor and get to the party in time to enjoy the fruits of their labors.