Harsh reality time; it’s difficult to avoid the simple truth that this, director Greg Mottola’s follow up to Superbad, would not have been released with the same fanfare had last year’s Twilight not been such a success. Given that the vampire romance now has a huge fanbase, any and all releases featuring either Rob Pattinson or Kristin Stewart will be met with great interest.

It’s the summer of 1987, and nice-but-awkward James (Jesse Eisenberg) is forced to take a job at the local amusement park, Adventureland, after his parents’ financial situation puts his college place in jeopardy. Far from being the hardship he expected, he makes new friends in super-geek Joel (Martin Starr) and falls for fellow employee Em (Kristin Stewart). However, he has to balance his frustration about his future with his feelings for Em, whose connection to rocker/maintenance man Mike (Ryan Reynolds) threatens to tear their fledgling relationship apart.

What strikes you about Adventureland is it’s very much of the times. Contemporary rights of passage teen tales are in abundance following the success of both Mottola’s Superbad and films like Juno, and this is a prime example that unfortunately does little to distinguish itself. It’s likeable enough, and cleverly packs in the 80s references without choking you to death with them. The universe of characters is equally as charming, but with a fairly tame central romance and so little driving the narrative it’s nothing that blows you away.

The cast is well put together but again adheres to stereotype. Eisenberg takes directly from Michael Cera’s playbook, mumbling and shyly chuckling his way into various ladies’ hearts. Stewart is hamstrung by a lack of depth in her character; certainly Em’s background is well thought out and developed but beyond these high tension scenes, both with Eisenberg and her parents, you don’t really see why this girl is so appealing to James. Three standouts are in the supporting cast; Starr provides the funniest scenes along with Bill Hader who is brilliant as James’ madcap boss. An A-List addition to the cast is Reynolds, playing the creepy older guy with a mixture of comedy and genuine drama.

Not a classic by any means, and possibly only appealing to people hungry for the release of New Moon later this year. A few funny moments will stick in your mind, but the feeling that this is merely an updated Dazed and Confused means it’s hard to recommend it too highly.

Adventureland is released in the UK on July 17.