Adventureland

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Adventureland

R

Released Apr 3, 2009

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

213 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

It's the summer of 1987, and recent college grad James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) can't wait to begin his long-anticipated dream trip to Europe. Unfortunately, James' plans come to a screeching halt when his parents announce that they are unable to subsidize his trip. Forced to take a job at the local amusement park, James prepares for the worst summer ever, until he finds love with a captivating co-worker named Em (Kristen Stewart).

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Critics Consensus

Full of humor and nostalgia, Adventureland is a sweet, insightful coming-of-age comedy that will resonate with teens and adults alike.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

A film so tuned in to the pre-collegiate experience that scenes which play as comedy to some audiences will land as harrowing tragedy to others.

May 27, 2016

Full Review

Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Content to occupy that middle ground where insights are authentic but far from revelatory and comedy is more amiable than riotous.

Rated: C+

Nov 6, 2009

Full Review

Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

Without recourse to frilly cuffs or a montage to A Flock Of Seagulls' greatest hit, it plays the '80s card for something heartfelt.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 18, 2009

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Eisenberg and Stewart have a low-key chemistry that serves the movie well.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 2, 2023

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Here’s that rare youth flick where it’s actually believable that the brainy guy gets the girl.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 15, 2023

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

A rather dreary coming-of-age drama with some witty dialogue and too-broad performances.

Rated: C-

Sep 22, 2022

Full Review

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Dani G

Jesse & Kristen just being Eisenberg & Stewart... The film has its moments; funny without having to be hilarious

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

Full Review

Audience Member

meu filme favorito simplesmente amo ele.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/20/25

Full Review

mark g

A truly great film. Exceptional cast, great script, wonderful music. I truly love this film and think it expertly captures the era.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/17/25

Full Review

Adam K

Poignant, touching, and with a lot of humor

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

Full Review

Jason K

An absolute master piece based in the 80s full of nostalgia. The on screen chemistry between Jesse and Kristen is something to be admired. The film is a drama with a lot of comedy from bill hader especially, I’ve watched it a lot of times. Just goes to show the brainy kid gets the girl.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/25

Full Review

N P

"Adventureland" is a pretty great YA film with all the drama set working in an 80s theme park, which is a cool and, irrevocably, not so cool place to be. I couldn't help but feel for this small story we can all relate to - whether that's falling in love, working at a shitty job, fooling around with your friends, low-fi drama and just being a young person in general. The soundtrack is nostalgically fire, the cinematography and direction is honest, and the characters are simply, real. The film is simply a chill, genuinely fun time, and I would honestly pop it in when a need for such a time inevitably comes by.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/12/24

Full Review

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Greg Mottola

Director

Jesse Eisenberg

James Brennan

Kristen Stewart

Em Lewin

Martin Starr

Joel

Kristen Wiig

Paulette

Bill Hader

Bobby

Charlie Bartlett

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Synopsis

It's the summer of 1987, and recent college grad James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) can't wait to begin his long-anticipated dream trip to Europe. Unfortunately, James' plans come to a screeching halt when his parents announce that they are unable to subsidize his trip. Forced to take a job at the local amusement park, James prepares for the worst summer ever, until he finds love with a captivating co-worker named Em (Kristen Stewart).

Director: Greg Mottola
Producer: Ted Hope, Anne Carey, Sidney Kimmel
Screenwriter: Greg Mottola
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: This Is That Productions, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 3, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.0M
Runtime: 1h 46m

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