“What was that? – It’s just my life.”
Set in the mid 1980s, director Greg Mottola brings you a nostalgic good time in this comedy-drama about summer work at a local amusement park, romance, future dreams…and Herman Melville. The New York retro amusement park Adventureland is a character itself, which Mottola constantly uses for transitions among the character scenes. Mottola filmed at Kennywood Park and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area though the original Adventureland is located in Farmingdale, New York on Long Island.
This 107-minute gem features an aspiring grad student named James Brennan, well-played by rising star Jesse Eisenberg, who has big journalism plans for his future. Smart, sensitive and ready for the world…well, the world he’s envisioning.
After his academic future hits a financial snag, his new co-worker and growing love interest Em Lewin, played by red hot star Kristen Stewart, questions James’ plans. When James shares his plans with her in a key sequence at a local bar/restaurant, she says, “Journalism – why do you need grad school then?” Her practical sensibilities towards others helps her deflect her own issues, which mostly relate to her altered family life.
James continues opening up while Em suddenly seeks escape for a different reason (easily discovered if you pay attention). “You sure you want to go? That band is really awful,” quips James. It's a great sequence representing those memorable dates we have that change lives forever. Stewart has a mysterious, yet obviously strong screen presence full of natural emotions and real life appeal.
Ryan Reynolds plays a married/music star/maintenance worker named Mike. You never actually see Reynolds show his musical side in the film. But he has several rock-star stories to woo the women while offering advice to his male Adventureland co-workers like James, yet keeping himself at a high-status distance. “You kiddies have fun” he says to James after turning down their party invitation, which later reveals one of the film’s key relationships.
James’ friends range from the annoying Frigo, played by Matt Bush, to savvy school chum Eric, played by Michael Zegen, and insightful co-worker Joel, well played by Martin Starr who almost steals the show from Eisenberg. Joel gets more attention in the second half as James’ establishing scenarios and traits get first priority. More family background about Em would have built her character more, but filmmakers keep a good balance overall.
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