There was a time when the name McLovin was heard in many conversations, worn on t-shirts and released as imitation fake IDs. Whether the film is looked back on for its impact in the comedy film world or its influence on pop culture, Super bad captured an iconic moment in the lives of teenagers, while paying tribute to the movies before it and setting the standard for a solid comedy film.
From the creative minds of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who co-write to this day, along with the captivating direction of Greg Mottola and production by comedy film legend Judd Apatow, Super bad was a movie in safe hands from the start. The whole concept came from Rogen and Goldberg when they were teenagers. Little did they know that the inspiration from their lives would be responsible for a box office success and be seen as new titans of comedy writing.
was super bad released in theaters on August 17, 2007, and would top the box office charts for two weeks in a row, eventually totaling $170.8 million in gross. For a film with a budget of about $20 million, it was an instant success thanks to its clever writing and recognizable casting. Wasn’t under any circumstances Super bad the first teen comedy movie, or even the first high school movie of that decade; however, it was the highest grossing up to 21 Jump Street. Unlike movies like american pie and Revenge Of The Nerds, Superbad brought the audience a greater focus on the characters and their relationships, as well as their vulnerabilities.
Naturally, Super bad is a film full of profanity and dialogue that may not fit or make sense in today’s society, and like popular graduation films, it has a truckload of allusions and sexual discussions. american pie had his fragile or clumsy character in Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), but Super bad has much more in-depth character building throughout. It looks at the stubbornness of Seth (Jonah Hill), who secretly suffers from separation anxiety; and Evan (Michael Cera), whose goodwill and nervousness play a part in his character despite his obsession with and attraction to his love interest.
The huge difference in Superbad’s The style of earlier teen comedies was that it all happened in one day, such as movies like Dazed & confused. But unlike the latter, Super bad no big cast needed. It would be hard to imagine other shoes to fit the roles of the ever-changing Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who played their character figures well around that time. Plus, there was the chaotic and rowdy behavior of Seth Rogen and comedy legend Bill Hader as the two cops trying to reach into their inner youth. The influence of design, 70s and 80s fashion, and the only way to get alcohol through a fake ID has a nostalgic charm in storytelling, akin to when the film was released in a nascent internet era. The varied soundtrack of 90s rap, 70s funk and 80s hair metal more than suited the themes and action of a movie full of bizarre stunts and mayhem, as well as general party vibes.
The whole series of Seth trying to steal beer from the department store himself is a homage to old kung fu movies with grandiose violence that can only come from the mind of an adolescent. writing in Super bad managed to guide the audience from this coming-of-age perspective and the awkwardness and difficulties that high school students face in their social and educational lives. Super bad really feels like a movie that can be half and half when it comes to stupidity and sense, which is rare in teen movies.
While McLovin may not be the main character of the three, his contributions to the story are a thrilling ride of adolescence with the help of Rogen and Hader to see just how far a teen can push the boundaries of anarchy without suffering any consequences. McLovin would no doubt appeal to a larger audience, and is one of the main comedic factors of the entire film, but it’s Seth and Evan’s development that really shapes it. Super bad to a class of its own.
Seth is seen early on as the arrogant, less intelligent and overconfident half of the group of friends, while in reality fans see early on the problems and strange behavior he has faced since he was a young child. He is also vulnerable in the sense that he has made the last years of his life dependent on Evan, and now that the two of them go to different universities, he doesn’t know how to deal with that. His development reveals that he’s really just a good guy despite the things he says, which is one of the more touching endings of a comedy film. Evan is a classic nervous character of Michael Cera, who is a bit timid but just as much of a loser as Seth. He is willing to go with his friend and break a few rules while being more careful. Other than that, he still adores Becca (Martha MacIsaac) to the point where it becomes obsessive. His whole intention of the evening is to give her the vodka she likes in the hopes that she will like it.
Both characters are portrayed as their true selves at the party, which includes teenage drinking culture. Evan’s character sees him not engaging in sexual activity with the heavily intoxicated Becca, despite how much he loves her. Seth believes that Jules (Emma Stone) will only do things with him when she’s drunk, and thinks that someone is as beautiful as she could never be with someone like him. It is revealed to Seth that Jules, who is sober, finds him attractive, but Seth’s self-centered inebriation takes over. However, rescuing Evan from the police and being open to his friend shows how much his character has developed in a matter of hours. Both characters are rewarded for their good character the next morning, which is a beautiful farewell to this life-changing moment in these characters’ lives.
Super bad is a film with characters who can be loved for their greatest and worst moments with comedy ranging from props, violence, language and awkwardness. It really feels like a moment in time with the ever evolving 2007 culture and change in both ideas and attitudes towards comedy. While many comedies would make a small bank and hit the shelves right away, Rogen and Goldberg’s consistent writing progressed the desire that there would still be teen comedies and outlandish comedies with a tasteful side. It’s easy to find a relationship with this cast, whether it’s the kids watching at a younger age or the cops wishing for their youth. Super bad is great fifteen years later.
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