The golden comic touch has not left the hand of director extraordinaire Judd Apatow, who helped bless this new teen comedy with smart, sophomoric humor and fun, distinctive comical siutations. Though Apatow only produces "Superbad," his rogues gallery of talent show up in force to pull off a new take on an old formula. Easily the best comedy of the summer, even surpassing Apatow's "Knocked Up," this film guarantees you a laugh a minute -- if you're not easily offended.
The main characters are three high school seniors -- Seth (Jonah Hill; "Knocked Up") the loudmouth braggart, Evan (Michael Cera; TV's "Arrested Development"), the sensitive yet clueless one, and Fogell, aka McLovin', the nervous, asthmatic geek. Seth and Evan are best friends who share everything, from who they want to have sex with to what they're going to do after high school. While neither one is particularly popular, fate smiles upon these two as both have the opportunity to score with the girls they have been infatuated with.
That is where Fogell, who had a fake ID made giving him the alias McLovin', comes in. He must get the alcohol to make an upcoming party happen. Enter two out-of-control cops who take their jobs as law enforcement pretty lightly, as played by "Knocked Up" veterans Seth Rogan and Bill Hader, and you have a really funny movie.
While the production value may leave you a little worried in the beginning, it works for the film in the end. Keeping to the tradition of dirty yet poignant humor like you saw in "The 40-Year Old Virgin," "American Pie," and "Clerks," this great little film will have you rolling in the isles. While not for an older audience, who may be offended by the language and heavy sexual references, this film works for the teenage and young adult audience it's aimed at. Hardly a scene goes by in the film without a particularly funny phrase or situation.
The main characters are likeable, as are the girls they are interested in. The dialogue feels very natural and conversational -- like a Tarantino flick -- and the actors truly embody the characters they play. The cops in this film will give you a new appreciation for law enforcement, as they are by far the funniest portrayal of police in a film I've ever seen.
While Seth goes over-the-top with his rude, in-your-face phrases, Evan is much more subtle with his after-thought humor. This, along with the story of the fake ID and Fogell trying to convince the store clerk and two cops that his name is actually McLovin', and you have a comedic masterpiece.
While you many not have a cosmic epiphany while watching "Superbad," you will be entertained and laugh yourself raw. The magic of Judd Apatow's comedy adventures continue.
Rated R for pervasive crude and sexual content, strong language, drinking, some drug use and a fantasy/comic violent image - all involving teens.
