Youth in Revolt: Keep Swearing Michael Cera

Ah young love and all the craziness that comes with it, explosions, expulsion, drugs and mayhem. The story of sixteen year-old Nick Twisp (Michael Cera) is a great tale of finding that one person that you connect with and the world feels a little glum. Youth in Revolt makes you laugh as you root for the underdog to win the girl.

Nick Twisp lives with his mom who relies on him for child support to live as he endures her numerous loser boyfriends who only use her for a good time. He is a shy and quiet teenager with a penchant for Frank Sinatra and not scoring with the ladies. His life is miserable with an unpleasant family life and one friend whose life is more miserable than his. Oh and he’s a virgin.

In an unexpected turn of events, Nick, his mom, and mom’s current beau go on a forced family vacation where he meets the love of his life, Sheeni Saunders, played by newcomer Portia Doubleday. Sheeni is a Francophile, whose quirkiness and intelligence quickly has Nick falling in love with her.

Things take a hilarious turn when he creates an alter ego named Francois Dillinger, who looks exactly like him except with blue eyes, a mustache, and is dressed in a blue button up shirt with white slacks. While Nick is law abiding and your good boy type, Francois is the exact opposite. He is here to be the bad boy so that Nick can win his ladylove and get laid. What ensues is a comedy of crazy scenarios worthy of a teen movie, but much cooler.

Cursing and swearing is oh so satisfying to hear coming from Michael Cera’s Francois as we finally see him portray a character so different from his usual roles. He plays the other personality wonderfully as the egotistical, bad ass, with complete disregard for propriety. The supporting cast was also quite good, especially Fred Willard playing eccentric Mr. Ferguson (who hides illegal immigrants in his basement!). Justin Long plays Sheeni’s druggie older brother, Jean Smart is Nick’s mom, and Steve Buscemi as his dad.

Based on a series of books by C.D. Payne, this is definitely a movie to see with friends. You will laugh from the wacky situations that Nick finds himself in and you’ll keep hoping that he gets the girl!