Adventureland... fooled by the trailer.

I ventured out to the theater today with my wonderful girlfriend to see Adventureland.  I thought Superbad was very crass funny film, and figured if the director had success there, perhaps Adventureland would be funny.  Hell, even the trailer for the movie showed tons of comedic promise and a nice throw back to the 80's.  The 80's were a good time; a time when movies where entertaining and fun.

Much to my chagrin, this movie is not a comedy.  There were a handful of comedic moments that yielded a chuckle or guffaw, but for the most part this movie is a drama/coming of age tale.  The gimmick of this film taking place in the 80's was very poorly paid off with a few classic 80's tunes and some bad hair and t-shirts.

The story follows a high school graduate (I'd list his name, but the only person most would recognize in this film is Ryan Reynolds) who, through a turn of events, is unable to vacation with friends in Europe and is stuck at home for the summer.  The young grad seeks employment and finds a job working the "games booth" at Adventureland (a carnival-esce theme park).  The grad chases after a complicated coworker/love interest who is in essence the Natalie Portman to his Zach Braff.  Toss in a few gags (all seen in the trailer) and poor 80's references and the result is a movie that is easily forgettable.  If this movie simply would have been true to it's advertisement (and setting my expection) of humorous 80's film, I think I wouldn't have left the theater as unfulfilled as I did. 

I telling you now, go see something else...  This movie isn't terrible, but it isn't worth your $15 either.  I'm thinking my time and money would have been better spent on "I Love You Man" or plain and simply purchasing Son of Rambow which was by far, a way better throw back to the 80's.