http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx SUPERBAD probably caught more than a few people by surprise.  Producer Judd Apatow just released his own KNOCKED UP a few months ago, and I assumed that EVAN ALMIGHTY and HOT ROD would carry comedy through the waning summer onslaught.  Wrong on both counts.  But luckily, this teenage comedy penned by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg hit screens this weekend and somehow managed to top RUSH HOUR 3.  In a year of half-baked blockbuster sequels grossing nearly ten figures, I’m ecstatic to see a worthy film eek out the victory.  SUPERBAD is a hilarious and realistic look at the struggles of the adolescent as college looms in the future.  AMERICAN GRAFFITI this is not, but with time I think we can place it alongside FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH as that type of infinitely rewatchable comedy that reminds us in some way of ourselves at that uncertain age.  Apatow continues to attach himself to really special projects.  His films have a charm that comes from a talented bevy of actors and drama-centered scripts.  They’re good movies that happen to be piss-yourself funny. Jonah Hill as Seth and Michael Cera as Evan are welcome revisions to the High School Geek.  Perhaps courtesy of their characters sharing names with the writers?  Two best friends nearing the ends of their high school careers, and different colleges lined up for the future, they make an AMERICAN PIE-style pact to cash in their V-cards before matriculating elsewhere.  SUPERBAD is essentially documenting the obstacles and travails that Seth and Evan encounter on their mission to live the dream.  Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fogel, however, might be the iconic role in the film.  Mostly because we have all had the displeasure of knowing a Fogel.  Choosing “McLovin” as his alias on a fake ID, Fogel is a whiny poser and social outcast.  A hanger-on to the relatively cooler Seth and Evan, Fogel’s contribution to the film is really a sight to behold.  Where Hill and Cera nail the frustration that color many a high schooler’s struggle for beer, popularity, and – ultimately – girls, Mintz-Plasse amazes with a lack of self awareness that makes Fogel’s trajectory from unknown loser to legendary McLovin seem strangely deserved.  And don’t we all know that one nerd with the most outrageous glory stories? en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx#1285 iit looks good and funny cant wait to see it crystal1985 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx#1285 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 05:04:50 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx#1774 i cant wait to see it looks really funny: tinkluvspan http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx#1774 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:09:34 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx#1780 i agree with them brokun1 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/08/20/SUPERBAD-Its-So-Superbad-Its-Good.aspx#1780 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:35:55 GMT