Adventureland – Movie Review (Warning Spoilers)

I was invited to see a early preview of Miramaxs new film Adventureland. The folks I went to see it with are all professionals in the Theme Park Industry, so before seeing the movie there was a general consensus amongst us that it would bring back some of those fond memories from our youth we tried so hard to forget. This movie was marketed as a comedy about working a summer job at a theme park, But I feel it was out of touch and far to off base to reach its full potential. While the movie tries to be funny and has its moments, I felt that it was more about drugs and sex than anything else. The movie, which is set in 1987 and shot at KennyWood failed to satisfy the opportunity for comedy associated with working in the operations department.

If you mixed the ending of “Dude, wheres my car?”, SuperBad, and American Pie and the 40 year old virgin and had the setting of the movie at any traveling carnival in Mexico, you would have this movie. I am a very tough critic to satisfy, If there is a period of 10 or more minutes where you haven’t laughed the move should not be a comedy. This movie is better off going straight to bargain DVD under the romantic comedy section. My colleagues had a few comments id like to share;

Colleen – “Perhaps this movie would have been funnier if we where all stoned?”

Jeff – “If that Himalaya hasn’t killed someone from the film crew I would be surprised.”

Shawn – “I’m glad this was free, Because it certainly wasn’t worth paying for.”

So In closing, If you have ever worked for a Theme Park, And you enjoyed working there and have some good memories, You will find this movie very boring. You should instead stay home, Get tore up and watch a good decent porno. You’d have the same effect with this movie from the comfort of your living room. Unless you are a true theme park fan, and have roller coaster in your movie collection, than don’t waste your money.