2007’s Superbad, written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, quickly cemented itself as a classic coming-of-age comedy through its hilarious depiction of a night of teenage misadventures. Eighteen-year-olds Evan, a straight-A student averse to trouble, and Seth, a raucous partier whose goal is to be remembered for his antics, seek a final night of partying before departing suburban Las Vegas for college. Seth promises to purchase alcohol for the night’s party being thrown by a classmate, and begrudgingly calls upon Fogell for use of his fake I.D., falsely labelled with the now-famous mononym “McLovin.”
The trio split up at a liquor store, with Seth and Evan fleeing to other parties and other antics and Fogell being “arrested” by the inept officers Slater and Michaels. Seth steals alcohol and starts a brawl, while Fogell goes on a joyous trip with the officers. Eventually, all five make their way to the event. All three drink more than they should, with Evan and Seth having embarrassing run-ins with their respective love interests and Fogell unexpectedly proving to be the life of the party. At the night’s end, all three boys return to their homes, having enjoyed one of their last nights of liberty before college.
The humor in Superbad is unapologetically raunchy, with Seth, as played by Jonah Hill, setting the pace and embracing the vulgarity of the movie’s scenes. Evan, played by Michael Cera, is his sensible but optimistic foil. Officers Slater and Michaels are hilariously inept, taking Fogell and the viewers for a wild ride-along. Through the three highschoolers and their two adult enablers, the viewer can envision themself living the bizarre but not wholly impossible night.
Yet beneath the often improvised and always crude dialogue, Seth’s insecurity and Evan’s awkwardness reflect the struggles of the pair in their attempt to make a final memory. Thus, the two prove rather relatable. At the film’s end, when the pair face their impending separation as college fast approaches, the two agree to face their final challenges together the best they can. They disagree on where to go, what to say, and every other manner of decision of the memorable night, but through it all the pair are inseparable.
But who am I kidding? You ought to watch this movie for the drinking, arrests, explosions, and other bad decisions made by kids your age. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of laughs along the way.
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