Primetime Backyard Movie Series - ADVENTURELAND (2009)

Many members have expressed regrets to me that they may not be able to attend this month's movie due to vacation plans.

Of course this immediately made me feel sorry for myself and everyone else in the group that couldn't go on vacation for whatever reason. So I decided to try and find a really good movie that many people had not seen that would really give us the nostalgic feelies for the summer vacations that the rest of you are going to enjoy.

ADVENTURELAND (2009) is one of those charming little indie movies that doesn't feel like an indie movie, mostly because of its stellar cast, outstanding 80's soundtrack (41 licensed hits no less), and its genuine sense of what life was like when we had big dreams and plans for the summer vacation but no money. So we all got a really lousy summer job instead, and in the process learned more about life and love than we ever dreamed possible.

I had a few of those summers, although the summers this movie hits squarely on the nail were in late high school, when I got a job at the small town's one and only radio station. There I learned about crazy bosses, irrational customers, and a paycheck that was smaller than my sixth grade allowance from my parents had been after all the stupid taxes were taken out.

And I loved every minute of it.

ADVENTURELAND is an insightful coming of age story about a middle class but nonetheless spoiled recent graduate who really wants to go to Europe but realizes the gravy train is over when his parents refuse him the funds. So he takes the one summer job he finds he's qualified for - a glorified gopher at a decrepit, aging, run-down amusement park staffed by all the other losers who couldn't afford their dream summer vacation. What follows is a sweet and touching remembrance of less troubling days, when your biggest concern was the cute smile of the girl working the Tilt-A-Whirl.

The movie stars a young Jesse Eisenberg in one of his pre-star roles, as well as a truly surprising, post-TWILIGHT (2008) Kristen Stewart proving what she can do when given the right material. Combine these with supporting performances by early future stars Ryan Reynolds, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig, and you've got a magical time machine of honest and frank (and yes, somewhat smoke filled if you know what I mean and I think you do) portrayal of teenage angst, desperate love, and inevitable loss and yearning.

All of which is even more surprising considering the film's writer and director, Greg Mottola, who redefined the raunchy teen comedy genre with SUPERBAD in 2007 as well as a stint directing TV's Arrested Development. But don't come to this expecting either of those two brands of comedy. ADVENTURELAND is Mottola at his most introspective and personal, and is literally based on his own summers working at an amusement park as a teenager.

The film made money, but its box office was nonetheless disappointing at the time of its release. So I'm guessing many of you have never seen it, and if that's you, come to movie night expecting a truly wonderful and sweet treat. And even if you have seen it, come anyway. What else do we losers have to do while everyone else is touring the Grand Canyon?

And be sure to come a little closer to the gates open, as we'll have some surprises for you. There's prizes involved.

Presenting our fifth season of our Primetime Backyard Movie Series, where we'll all get together during good weather armed with our bug spray and lawn chairs to watch a variety of movies.

I have the movies. I have the projector. I have a sort of giant (for a backyard at least) 10 foot screen. I even have a long, narrow but semi-deep backyard with a giant oak tree that will silently watch over us as we relive our youth at the drive-in and make fun of those making out on the back row.

There will be free hot dogs, movie candies, movie nachos, and popcorn. Feel free to bring other stuff if you want, including your own lawn chair. I have some spares and some blankets, but not enough for a full house. BYOB. I'll have some soft drinks and water as well.

We'll socialize for about an hour before the movie, which will start promptly at dusk (about 8:50 pm), along with an Alamo Drafthouse -style preshow.

RAIN POLICY - I'll post here if we have to reschedule for weather or other unforeseen events. Just check here before you head this way.

CARPOOLS - My parking around here really is limited thanks to overbuilding on nearby lots, so carpooling is encouraged.