"I'm stoned and burned out, find me sexy, James?"

Plot Summary: 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.

Adventureland is one of those comedies that fit into the ‘generation x’ era of movies.  You have a teenager who accomplishes nothing with their life, can’t speak up for themself, gets stoned at every opportunity, and  falls in love with girl who’s always baked and has no reason to live.  Don’t believe me, waste your time watching Superbad, Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist, Juno, and you’ll come to the same conclusion… just don’t get mad when you realize how much time you took off your life.

The one bright spot of the movie is actor Jesse Eisenberg, who plays James Brennon.  He’s sincere and his character is very likable… Which is why I kept getting pissed off when he obsesses over a girl named “Em,” (played by Kristen Stewart).  Why get obsessed with someone toasted that sleeps around?  Perhaps it’s the age.  Young boys tend to be obsessed with sex.  So why not devote a whole movie to that magical moment, if it happens.  And who could be more accepting and not-at-all judgmental than a girl who is high?  It seems that this criteria will make a boy’s first intimate experience better?

I don’t know.  I can’t answer that anymore.  I’m an old man who finds someone being stoned all the time a very sad thing. Someone that must escape from reality is someone who really needs help.

Then there was the moment where I realized “Em” was the same actress that plays Bella in the New Moon Trilogy.  In case you haven’t read that review on this blog, you should.  But again, Kristen Stewart absolutely nails the role of someone who is pissed out of her gourd and doesn’t care about anything– complete with eyes rolling to the back of her head.  I sense that this is her calling and she will be cast in many many more movies that deal with someone all wrapped up in themselves.  Ms. Stewart angers my blood… which is why I really did not enjoy this movie when it was all over.