Superbad

Title Superbad
Director Greg Mottola
Writer Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg
Starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogan, Bill Hader, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
ISBN 9781424861118
Distributor Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 2007 (DVD)
Interest Age 13+
Rating Unrated Extended Edition (in theaters: rated R)
Genre Contemporary Life; Issues: Dating and Sexuality
Plot Summary
Best friends Seth and Evan are just finishing high school and about to head off to different colleges. They aren't the most popular boys and their one goal is to sleep with the girls they like before they head off to college, afraid that if they arrive without any experience, their college years will be as dry as high school has been. After Seth tells his crush that he and Evan can get alcohol for the party, they think they're that much closer to sealing the deal. They ask their friend Fogell, who has a fake I.D. identifying him as McLovin (one word), to help them get the booze. Of course, nothing goes as planned and what started out as a promising night ends up in a mad-dash, filled with hilarious twists and situations.
Critical Evaluation
Superbad is not a really great movie, but it is sure to be a hit with teenagers. The premise is not particularly inventive, but the actors play their roles well and there are many extremely funny lines and scenes. As the story line develops, it becomes clear that this film is more about the relationship between Seth and Evan than their desire to have sex, and that alleviates some of the disappointment in the weak storyline. Overall, the movie will appeal to teenagers, particularly those that like movies by Judd Apatow. This Apatow film is more appropriate for teenagers as the characters and themes seem to be more geared towards teenagers than adults.
Reader’s Annotation
Seth and Evan are determine to hook up with their crushes before they leave for college. But how far will they go to get what they want?
Curriculum Ties None
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Do a character sketch of Seth and Evan, emphasizing that they are best friends about to face the challenge of heading off to different colleges. Encourage the audience to read more to find out what happens.
2. Do a plot summary from the perspective of McLovin.
Challenge Issues
Issue: sexually explicit
Defense: Though the film is purportedly about "getting laid" as it progresses, it is more about the relationship between the two main characters.
Why did I include this DVD?
2009 Fabulous Films for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); Teen Choice Award nominations (Best Movie - Comedy, Best Actor).