Superbad, for many, was the surprise hit of the year. Yet when you consider the comedy pedigree sitting behind the camera, perhaps it's not that much of a turn up. Director Greg Mottola, for instance, cut his teeth on episodes of Arrested Development and the underrated US show Undeclared. Co-writer Evan Goldberg has credits on the US Ali G show, while his partner in scribe is Seth Rogen, star of 2007's other breakout comedy, Knocked Up. And with that film's director, Judd Apatow, also on the production team, it's understandable to see where Superbad gets its quality from. Yet in spite of all of these names behind the camera, Superbad is powered by Jonah Hill, previously seen in mainly supporting roles, as the foul-mothed Seth. In conjunction with Michael Cera's Evan, he bursts his way through a film that sees the pair of them trying to buy booze to go to a girl-filled party, before they go their separate ways to college.
Hill and Cera are strong in their lead roles, and keep Superbad motoring even through its quieter moments. But the scene stealer has to be Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fogell, or--courtesy of his fake ID--McLovin. When he encounters two cops, played by Rogen and Bill Hader, comedy gold swiftly ensues.
Superbad isn't as consistently funny as Knocked Up, and its running time may outstay its welcome a little, but it's still a tough film to knock. It's simple and straightforward aim, to sit on your screen and generate plenty of laughs, is comfortably achieved, and its rewatch value is high as well. Well worth a look. --Simon Brew
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