Youth in Revolt

Get some much needed sleep or write a review?Hesitantly, I will pick the latter. I make myself write one review every day, give the people what they want! I want to make movies when I get older. I want to write, direct, produce, edit, the whole nine yards. When I direct, I want my actors to make choices that leave a lasting imprint on the audience. When I edit, I want my movies to flow and have scenes sync perfectly with one another. If I ever produce, I want directors to come begging me for production money, offering me their wives and first born children. Most importantly, when I write, I want to create characters that are truly unlike anyone in the known world. I want their dialogue to be smart and funny and quirky and unique. And every time I try to sit down in front of my computer to type up a new screenplay, my mind goes blank and I try in vain to come up with clever lines. Youth in Revolt was like one giant slap in the face to me because it seemed as if every line personified cleverness. Literally, the moment Michael Cera talks, my jaw dropped four inches and you could fit golf balls in my cheeks.

Youth in Revolt is the story of 16 year old Nick Twisp (Michael Cera who will forever look like a 14 year old) and his attempts to fight for the girl he loves, Sheeni (Portia Doubleday). Along the way, Nick invents an alter ego, Francois, who forces Nick to do evil deeds like burn down half of Berkeley, CA, or destroy both of his parents' cars.

Youth is a cool movie because of how intelligent Sheeni and Nick sound in contrast with the rest of the characters. They are two lovers who are meant to be together, but they come from un-educated and ill-informed families who care very little for love or any other human emotion. The fight to block out these obstacles and remain with each other is what makes for such an entertaining film. Twisp is a confident character who enjoys Sinatra, journaling, and shrooms. In his world, nobody is like him so when he meets Sheeni he tries to do whatever it takes to be with her. Sheeni is the same; a lover of french and french music. She is incredibly forward and extremely flirtatious. I believe that is what makes this such an appealing film to, well the title says it all, youth. There is an odd chemistry between Nick and Sheeni, one that reverts back to man's primitive nature and raw tendencies. Nick finds the need to constantly express his undying love for Sheeni. These two just have to be together and it's evident in both the dialogue and their stage direction.

Dialogue pushes this movie past all pre conceived boundaries. Nick and Sheeni speak with a certain affect. Whether it's Nick commenting on the dog he has bought for Sheeni or Sheeni describing her happiness at attending a French speaking school, these characters bring a high intelligence to their speech. At the same time, the frankness of Nick's alter ego, Francois, is blunt and hysterical. Whereas Nick tries to think through his actions, Francois makes a matter-of-fact statement and continues with his day. Again, their is an action and counteraction of personalities that resonate well in the movie.

Youth in Revolt is a comedy. It will make you laugh if you see it. I just can't comprehend how every line was written to be so damn intelligently funny. Perhaps it's Michael Cera's angel like vocals? Either way, Youth in Revolt was a pleasant surprise for me. I was expecting a school massacre or something involving kids vs adults, but what I got was quick wit and fast humor. So yeah, sleeping or watching this movie. Movie seemed like a good choice tonight. But milk was a bad choice!