Director Miguel Arteta adapts C.D. Payne's 1993 novel to predictably
comic–if not full-blown–outrageous effect. Michael Cera is well cast
as Nick Twisp, the precocious lust-driven teenage son of separated
low-life parents played by Steve Buscemi and Jean Smart. Nick hopes to
end his virginity when he runs into the similarly nerdy but super-cute
Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday). Some Ill-conceived advice from
Sheeni–become a bad boy–prompts Nick to create a dual identity in
order to win over Sheeni. Thanks to a pencil-thin mustache and
Euro-chic clothes Nick reinvents himself as François, an alter ego with
a penchant for various criminal shenanigans involving cars, drugs, and
fire. That Sheeni's parents happen to be religious freaks (played by
Emmet Walsh and Mary Kay Place) only adds to the kookiness of the
adult world that Nick navigates like a bull in a china store. Over the
course of just a few films, Michael Cera has established himself as one
of the most enjoyable young comics of his generation. Cera's scenes
with Ray Liotta (as a local cop dating Nick's mom) are priceless. He
may not be Holden Caulfield, but in this day and age Nick represents a
fresh breeze of youthful rebellion.
Rated R. 90 mins. (B) (Three Stars)
