Dorkgasm Gonzo Is God

Superbad

The DVD Review

By Kenneth Holm
Dorkgasm Senior Staff Writer

            About Mid-August of 2007, a little movie was unleashed upon an unsuspecting populace. Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Superbad was one of my favorite movies of the year. The movie takes place over two days in the lives of best friends Evan (Michael Cera, Arrested Development) and Seth (Jonah Hill, Knocked Up). Both are graduating from high school soon, and each will be attending a different college. Joining the two is Fogell (newbie Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who is a nerd of the highest caliber. The three begin to plot and scheme when Fogell gets a fake I.D. The only problem, though, is that Fogell’s name on the ID is simply “McLovin”. When Seth offers the use of Fogell’s ID to the girl of his dreams, though, the plot begins to kick in. When Jules (Emma Stone, Drive) announces her end-of-the-year party, it is up to Seth, Evan and Fogell to not only obtain the liquor; but to potentially end up with their respective crushes by the end of the night. Along the way, many mishaps occur. When “McLovin” is purchasing the booze, a robbery attempt brings the police in, threatening to end the boys’ plans. However, the two responding officers (Bill Hader and Seth Rogen) take a liking to Fogell in “McLovin” guise and proceed to take him around to show that cops know how to party, too. Meanwhile, Evan and Seth continue to try to obtain beer through moments of escalating hilarity. When the three meet back up, they hit the party, booze en tow.

            What happens next, I will not reveal here. What I will say, though, is that this movie is unlike most other teen comedies on the market currently or offered in the past. Instead of being an alcohol-fueled sex romp, this movie tries to elevate itself to a higher platform. One of the features on this exceptional DVD is a full-length commentary by the director, the writers and members of the cast. At times, the commentary is funnier than what is happening on screen. It truly sounds like a bunch of friends decided to make a movie, and it shows. Other features include deleted scenes, various extended line deliveries, a making-of special, and a first look at Rogen’s new feature Pineapple Express.

            However, the best feature of this movie is its heart. I found that the relationships were exceptionally true to life. It reminded me of my high school days and various misdeeds I was involved in myself. More importantly, though, it reminded me of my best friend who has passed on. We were inseparable, just like Evan and Seth in the film. Of course, the fun could not last forever. He moved to Arizona to go to college, and I remained in Kenosha. Years later, we had lost contact and I was crushed to find out he had died in his sleep. At his funeral, I was astounded to see how different he had been from the person I knew and the person he had become. This movie taps into those fears of losing your best friend and what has to happen in order for people to “grow up” and move on. All in all, I cannot recommend this movie enough. Sure there’s about seventeen instances of swearing for every five minutes of screen time, but that does not even begin to matter. What matters is the portrayal of Seth and Evan as they begin to move onwards and upwards. Grab the two disc unrated edition, and invite your best friend over for some beers and pizza. See if you do not identify with this movie. I guarantee that you knew people like this in high school. Rogen and Goldberg succeed again in one of the funniest and heartwarming movies in recent history.