As so many films seem to be these days, “Youth In Revolt” is the adaptation of the popular novel by C.D. Payne and yet another chapter in the rise and rise of one Michael Cera, the ‘Arrested Development’ alum and current go-to guy for introvert teen performances (see ‘Juno’, ‘Superbad’).
The story revolves around Nick Twist (Cera), a teenager with a taste for everything kitsch and retro. An outcast at school, he wallows in his isolation until he meets Sheeni (Portia Doubleday), an equally leftfield poetry-loving young woman. Nick is smitten with Sheeni, however she does not feel the same. Determined to win her, he invents ‘Francois’, an alter-ego with a moustache and a reckless attitude. Letting this ‘dark side’ take over, Nick soon finds he is winning Sheeni over, but causing no end of chaos in the process.
It’s not a huge surprise that this film is being made now- post ‘Juno’, anything teenage and quirky is automatically greenlit, plus this has the added advantage of three books as source material (sequel potential is a must in recession-era Hollywood). But despite the numbers games, this is a pretty funny film. It has slapstick scenes which are funny whilst still maintaining a sense of intelligence, and populates the screen with well cast, amusing support characters. It misses the mark occasionally, but a brisk running time means you’re on to the funny stuff pretty quickly.
Many have dismissed Cera as a one-trick pony, as most of his performances have been very similar. Whilst this has unearthed some great films (‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ remains an underrated classic), last year’s awful ‘Year One’ led many to conclude his 15 minutes may be up. Whilst it’s not a huge departure, in Francois we do at least see a glimpse of something different. Cold, calculated and slightly effete, it’s interesting and leads to some of the funnier moments in the film. It’s also blessed with a superb supporting cast- Steve Buscemi as Nick’s father, Ray Liotta and Zack Galifianakis (the bearded guy from ‘The Hangover’) as his mother’s boyfriends, and Justin Long in an unusual appearance as Sheeni’s drug-loving brother.
You could certainly say it’s ‘another Michael Cera film’, but to do so would be to miss out on a well-written script and hilarious, vivid direction from Miguel Arteta (absent from film since 2002’s ‘The Good Girl’ starring Jennifer Aniston). No classic, but certainly has enough twisted laughs to keep you happy.
Youth In Revolt is released 5 February
