The story of teenage anti-hero Nick Twisp and his alter-ego Francois Dillenger is Michael Cera at his best… so far. And you thought he could only act in his preallocated pigeon hole, shame on you. Granted this film does address the never ending issue of all Cera’s characters, namely losing their virginity, but there is hope that this movie will open some new doors for him, as he finally proves his diverse capabilities and quite well too.
Based on the cult classic novel of the same name Youth in Revolt dives into the memoirs of our protagonist Nick Twisp as he encounters the awkward teenage years. While on vacation Nick meets Sheeni, the girl of his dreams, and creates an alter ego, the aforementioned Francois, to be the daring, charismatic French man of her dreams. Francois, also played by Cera, sports a thin mustache, unbelievable white trousers, a crisp sky-blue shirt, aviators, sockless feet in loafers and a calm, articulate, psychotic demeanor à la Tyler Durden. They devise a plan to get Nick’s father a job in Sheeni’s hometown so Nick can move there. So with the smoldering delinquency of Francois, Nick sets out to get in as much trouble as possible in order to be sent to live with his father.
It’s Superbad meets Fight Club with the storyline of a great novel thrown in. Lately it feels like Hollywood are getting less imaginative and can only churn out a really good movie if they base it on a book, or is that a bit harsh? Youth in Revolt boasts an all star cast such as Steve Buscemi (playing Nick’s father), Ray Liotta, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Long. Sheeni is played, to the perfect level of aloofness, by newcomer Portia Doubleday and she’s certainly a lot more believable than Juno.
Here’s the trailer:
