"Adventureland" is a Seriously Slept on Coming of Age Classic

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks for watching! Definitely a more laidback sort of video, but honestly I love doing these every once in a while. I've always loved this film, and genuinely hate that more people haven't heard of it so hopefully this can help spread the word! Also, be sure to give my sponsor some love! Surfshark.deals/filmradar and code FILMRADAR for 85% off a 2-year plan and 3 months for free!

[@ピカタンタ]

You're welcome my friend

[@blakehawes8327]

I’m almost angry at you for hitting the nail on the head so hard. I’ve been screaming about the greatness for the movie for years. I’m so happy someone else understands how good this film is. Thank you. I tried writing a video essay about Adventureland a year ago, but didn’t get too far. Kept doubting myself. I couldn’t hit it as hard as this.

[@daniel_netzel]

Hey man, never doubt yourself! Honestly this script was like, the 17th draft haha. If youre passionate about something, that always comes through, and more video essays for this movie just gives it more love ;)

[@blakehawes8327]

Film Radar thanks for the encouragement. Getting back to it!

[@Ryley280]

So glad to finally see someone who appreciates this great movie. I remember going alone to see this in the theater as no one else wanted to and I've brought it up many times over the years and literally no one i know likes it its annoying, appreciate the video.

[@Emzdra]

As soon as I saw the title, I completely agreed. The perfect balance of humour, relationships, development etc. And it's not done in a corny way. All the jokes are subtle but make you giggle out loud. Actors all did an amazing job. It feels like you're literally following a bunch of young adults while they work at their summer job and figure out life.

[@daniel_netzel]

I've always loved this movie and wish more people saw it

[@Emzdra]

@@daniel_netzel the way I look at it, we’re elite because we went out and found it ourselves

[@CodeBleu724]

What makes Adventureland great is that even though it takes place in 1987, it doesn't try to be a "throwback to the 80s" movie. I was 15, growing up in the Pittsburgh area in the time this takes place, but they don't focus on the time period. It's all about the story.

[@jeanmichellelaurent]

It does give off a sense Anemoiac Nostalgia for the 1980s, not in a rose tinted mosaic like Stranger Things, but it makes you feel like you could have grown up in the 1980s, and been through these experiences

[@Jorderby]

Watched this at the cinema in 2009. The first 10 minutes, I was like "this is gonna be shit". It's now one of my favourite films.

[@daniel_netzel]

Its funny you say that because I had the exact same feeling, something about that first scene for the first time I felt like it was going to be terrible.

[@twocentscinema8587]

One of my favorite films. Didn’t even know the director did Superbad. Everything u said is right on. Every time I watch this film, I can look back at my own teenage years.

[@daniel_netzel]

Same! Instead of working at an amusement park, I was at a Wal-Mart. Shitty jobs bring people together though hahah

[@JamieMPhoto]

I always wondered why this one didn't hit harder. I love it and it's one of my favorites. Also, the soundtrack is *phenomenal*.

[@daniel_netzel]

Honestly mismarketing seems to be the biggest culprit. Even going to watch the trailer on KZbin and most comments are like "wtf is this, the movie is nothing like this"

[@JamieMPhoto]

@@daniel_netzel I'm so glad I missed most of the commercials. Superbad was ok, but I immediately got sick of the movies like that ... lots of pot and dirty jokes but not much of anything else. I might have skipped it if I didn't primarily learn about it from magazine ads and the soundtrack.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Because Kirsten Stewart sucks and the movie is full of clichés.

[@waddless]

Just saw Adventureland for the first time today and its phenomenal and amazing. I cant believe this movie has existed this whole time. A classic i say

[@daniel_netzel]

It's so underrated

[@AngaarUriakhil]

Absolutely agreed on this, a fantastic coming of age movie.

[@blakehawes8327]

GOOD GOD. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I TRIED TO MAKE A VIDEO ESSAY BUT COULDNT FIND THE WORDS ABOUT THIS MASTERPIECE.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

I just rewatched this with an audience at the Los Feliz Theater for the film's 15th anniversary. It was awesome. The crowd reacted perfectly, laughing a lot and invested in the dramatic moments.

[@Em-ic3vm]

So I watched this film for the first time when I was 18, working at a soul-sucking job at a movie theater, but seeing this made me feel so comfortable. It movie is probably my happy place and I watch it whenever I forget that love is actually pretty alright. It such a comforting, lovely movie and it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy. No one I know has either seen it, or has the same affection for it as I do, but it just means a lot to me. So it made me LOVE Martin Starr and Jesse Eisenberg

[@radicalrights7130]

“if anyone wins a giant-ass panda on your watch you can just go home because your fired okay?”

[@lukiluhd]

Just watched this movie on the plane for the first time. I’m on my way to my first year of college and this movie truly impacted me. I look forward to rewatching it in the future.

[@jj112499]

I'm really glad you covered this movie, I had completely forgotten about it and had somehow meshed in my head with Zombieland. I definitely need to rewatch it.

[@daniel_netzel]

Zombieland is also still pretty damn terrific IMO.

[@seancourtney5548]

the scene where Em tells James she doesn’t wanna lose him and he kisses her forehead and hugs her is perfect. that’s the scene that sold me. knew it wasn’t a basic sex comedy after such an intimate scene.

[@justinpipes85]

I love Adventureland. It makes me nostalgic for 1987 a year when I was actually two years old. The music is great and what I grew up on. I'm also old enough to have made a mix tape for a girl and not own a cell phone (let alone a smartphone).

[@101aptbam]

I've been watching this movie every year since it came out. I was leaving high school right as it came out and hit me in such a profound way that it helped open me up to new levels of vulnerability and understanding about the relationships I procure. Thank you for the video

[@daniel_netzel]

Now that you mention it, same. I was class of '09 and I think this movie helped me grow into a better person, like, legitimately. That doesn't happen often for me.

[@codyscottmac]

I'm so glad you did this movie. I remember knowing nothing about this movie when i first watched it, and ended up LOVING it. Stuck with me more than Superbad did honestly. Great Video.

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks man! I appreciate that! Superbad is still great, but this one always hit much closer to home.

[@darknid158]

I love this film because I've been to Kennywood almost every single year of my 26 years of existence. It's really cool knowing every single spot they filmed in the park because I've stood where they were countless of times.

[@PittsburghSonido]

Adventureland was always, to me, Eisenberg’s better performances.

[@daniel_netzel]

I honestly haven't seen him in anything lately but The Art of Self Defense looked interesting. My favorite of his will always be The Social Network, but this is a close second.

[@bagels0628]

The Art Of Self-Defense is a fantastic movie. You should check it out. It’s not a role you think Jesse would be good at but surprisingly is.

[@justinbryson8695]

@@bagels0628 That movie is great. I really liked it.

[@randomguy6695]

Gotta say, Kristen Stewart was pretty good in this as well. She’s an over hated actress in my opinion.

[@catherinecharles486]

This is my favorite film of all-time. I think you nailed your assessment when you said that a lot of the reason this movie didn't perform well at the box office was due to poor marketing. When you watch it, it just feels so... visceral and relatable. The characters feel more like people you know in real life than characters in a movie. Bill Hader and Ryan Reynolds were absolutely incredible in their roles. The soundtrack gave me some of my favorite songs that I'd never heard of before (*cough cough* Pale Blue Eyes *cough cough*). I wouldn't say I'm a big Kristen Stewart fan, but of all the movies I've seen with her, I think this is easily her best work. Her character is so well written, well acted and just... tragically believable... I can't help empathizing with her.

[@userunknownorigin]

This movie really helps me when I’m feeling like I’m going nowhere in my life. It continues to give me hope and lifts me up when I’m feeling low whenever I see it. I really loved this video essay. Hope your feeling better now than you were a few months ago. I relate to your fight man. It’s hard chasing your dreams. Love your videos, really hoping you get the attention you deserve.

[@laurena227]

Totally agree, this film hit home and came out around the right time for me to appreciate it in a great way, i go back and watch this film every now and then. Also nice to see you still uploading :)

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you! I've been dealing with some rough mental health stuff, some personal, a lot because of the dumpster fire that is the world right now but even when I slow down, I never plan on disappearing, I just like making videos too much.

[@Capricorn_ex]

I fucking love this movie the mood is very chilled and it has a awesome soundtrack. Very underrated.

[@daniel_netzel]

It's the kind of movie I wish I could live inside of.

[@misatobestgurl]

im really happy to find a video essay talking about this film. super underrated. i watched it for the first time when i was in middle school and didn't appreciate it as much. now that im an adult struggling to balance college and a part-time job, i appreciate this film more. its like a safe place whenever i watch it, and it reminds me that life is still worth living despite all the crappy stuff going on. great job on this video!

[@edvaira6891]

Actually this seems more like a Richard Linklatter movie..I actually saw this twice at the theatres because it was so very charming and there really was NOTHING else intelligent out in April 2009 (although Kristin Stewart made this before Twilight, in fall of 2007, it came out after Twilight, and yet, even THAT didn’t help the box office!)

[@daniel_netzel]

I think too many people hated the Twilight movies, I honestly wonder if it hurt this movie more than helped

[@CoinOpTV]

glad Dazed & Confused was mentioned would also toss American Graffiti on that list too

[@daniel_netzel]

Oh 100%. Let's be real, we wouldn't have Dazed and Confused without American Graffiti.

[@Ryley280]

People insult this movie for being 'about nothing' but those same people love American Graffiti, its annoying. This movie will age very well.

[@kristinnkristinsson1369]

And Breakfast Club and Almost Famous and Garden State and Juno and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and Whip It. I'm a sucker for coming-of-age films.

[@justinbryson8695]

@@kristinnkristinsson1369 Breakfast Club is a good movie, but I have tried watching it in recent years, and it just moves along so slowly. It makes you feel like you are in Saturday Detention with them. Great cast though.

[@leafyveins4985]

This is in my top ten favorite movies of all time. It's shot beautifully, feels so real, and the acting is amazing from every actor in the film. Great video! I like your editing style.

[@mcb95035]

Just discovered this movie a week ago and was blown away. Loved it and I can't believe I had never even heard of it. And great job on the video. You really nailed so much about this film. Thanks for doing this.

[@estebang5741]

I saw that film a few years ago and, as a small town kid who had to go back to his hometown after dropping out of college I really felt this film. Great video.

[@davidyoung2534]

The music clearly contributes big time to this awesome movie, i don't know if the placing of the Crowded House/4th July/fireworks scene was accidental or genius, but music stays with me forever and can bring you back to the movie.

[@naromngin]

yep, one of my favs coming of age movie

[@seancourtney5548]

Such a great video man. Just watched the movie for the first time and i’m floored. So much better than i thought it was gonna be. Feel so giddy since it ended.

[@gustavodias4865]

I loved this movie at first sight, the characters felt so real. It reminds my teenage years a little bit, the soundtrack is amazing.

[@sprunk-]

your now one of my fav you tubers. u out so much effort into each video that u can hear the ovation from start to finish. can’t wait to watch this movie

[@daniel_netzel]

Thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate that! I really do adore this movie, if coming of age comedies are your thing I think this is one of the best, up there with Dazed and Confused.

[@celticviolaandfiddle]

Saw the movie today, and I completely agree with your analysis. Superbad is fun, but in my view, this movie is much deeper. Thanks for the effort you put into making these videos. Keep it up!

[@loudorchen9897]

I've seen this 100 times or more, I don't know why but I have nostalgia for it, I doubt anyone has seen it as many times as me, it's a great drinking movie and visually pleasing with a coming of age story I relate to.

[@gonchicalleros]

One of the best coming of age out there Better than Superbad This movie uses Lou Reed almost as another character

[@daniel_netzel]

Couldn't agree more. While I do love Superbad, its no contest for me which I prefer.

[@safespacebear]

Thanks for throwing some love at this film it's one of my favorites. My son is now a teen and we watched it together last night and he really liked it as well. It makes my heart sing for those nights in my youth. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and Adventureland drips with it

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Yess, I unashamedly think this is a 5/5 movie and I will always defend it

[@Angenga]

This was a really enjoyable video about a film i enjoyed but havent thought about for years, good job man, really made me think twice about it!

[@ChuckD008]

I saw this in theatres as a senior in HS & it hit me hard. Also, it was what made me realize that Stewart could be a good actress & was more then just Twilight

[@acactus26]

Glad someone gave this movie its due. I've watched this film when I was 19 and 23 I took different lessons from it every time and now that I'm almost 30, I want to see what else it has to show. Thanks and I can't wait for your next video.

[@TheVirtualLab]

Man your epilogue made me so emotional. Thanks for the video and for the great film recommendation

[@burningbooi]

your channel is seriously slept on

[@daniel_netzel]

I honestly dont mind the smaller audience, the shitty thing is that sponsors care very much about that stuff lol so here's hoping I can keep growing xD

[@docmovie7621]

I’m Japanese so my English suck but I’m a huge fan of this film. I watching this movie at first I thought is was a light comedy and little bit about growth and love(adventure) but as I watched it’s something special about this one.And second I saw this video I thought you’re amazing storyteller on this movie. Now I understand this movie even more.This is one of the best coming of ages movie.

[@tashmoore3825]

Adventureland is one of my favorite modern (post-1990) movies. I didn't realize it was considered underrated, especially since Jesse Eisenberg & Kristen Stewart are starring.

[@piyushpp43]

Just saw this movie and I am like why the hell did I not see this before!!

[@lucasdoss9546]

This is my favorite movie of all time and you worded it perfectly. Thank you!!

[@MoneyAffiliated92]

BRA-VO. Love your review on this film. It's such a well-done piece of cinema. I found myself emotional towards the end. Winter approaching, everyone quitting and moving on. Granted, that's life and I suppose I would be left feeling lied to if things like that didn't occur in the film. I will watch this movie every blue moon to preserve my love for it. An undeniable classic! Thank you for this.

[@archie157]

One of my favorite films. Definitely slept on. And a great soundtrack too. Wonderful essay.

[@handcoversbruise1410]

I just watched it and it becomes one of my comfort movie.. it's so warm and lovely

[@brycebacon2041]

Beautiful piece. This is my favourite film of all time. Watching it even after I experienced young adult hood. It's a perfect depiction in every way, every character has there place, I've been every character, and it's what makes the film so poetic.

[@Kevin-ts7hf]

So good, thank you brother

[@daniel_netzel]

Thanks for commenting! :)

[@ackerion2830]

A true hidden gem, this movie, to me, is a masterpiece, the characters, the acting, the soundtrack, the direction, everything is on point. One of my favorites.

[@FilmBoBaggins211]

Beautifully said my friend. Honestly this video made me feel the same way the movie does.

[@TheLotionInTheBasket]

spot on, daniel. thanks.

[@tokyosmash]

As someone who grew up in small town PA, this movie hits home

[@neonskies4205]

Adventureland and take me home tonight is the two of my goat movies

[@alexcoyg3281]

Beautiful essay, thank you

[@GrainneMhaol]

The most surprising thing is how charismatic and charming Kristen Stewart and what's-his-face are.

[@daniel_netzel]

Theyre both so great in this movie. Jesse gets a bad rap for being type cast but i think he's great and could do more if given the right roles, and Kristen is genuinely super talented IMO.

[@Gregoryzaniz]

Wow this really came at the right time for me. Thank u

[@qendrimsyla6495]

I loved it as a child. I can't tell you how comforted i felt seeing there's another one as weird as I

[@BradGoodspeed]

I've always adored this movie and I was so happy to watch this video. Bang on.

[@Christian-ir2mb]

THANK YOUUUUU

[@NemorisInferioris]

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT I'M SOLD lol I'm definitely gonna watch this.

[@daniel_netzel]

Mission accomplished ladies and gentlemen.

[@t_melloon1902]

Great video, loved the analysis

[@oddjobsuncle]

This film is legit in my top 5 and I used to have the soundtrack on my iTunes back in the day ✌

[@benjaminmartinez1638]

I also think Adventureland is still very relevant today. I've had multiple shitty jobs where I've gone through very similar situations

[@MrRico2409]

I got a new job as a bartender in a casino at the start of summer.. ive never related so much to a video essay

[@joanna-vv1rk]

its one of these movies I could watch on and on

[@era_emissary]

A time without smart phones and social media

[@tiarwa581]

one of my all time favorite movies. definitely top 3 movies ever

[@HintofFilm]

Been a long time since I've seen it, and to your point, it's less of a laugh-out-loud comedy than it was sold as, but I do remember laughing out loud at this line: "He used to be my best friend. And then I turned four."

[@joegonzlaez487]

this might be a shot in the dark but does anyone know the name of the song in the video that starts at 3:05 ? i loved it when it played during the scene where em tells james “i don’t wanna lose you” by the rollercoaster and i haven’t been able to find it

[@joegonzlaez487]

just in case anyone else was wondering i think i found it, it’s called my spot, or give them enough pot and that’s off of the actual score of adventureland which you can find on yt!

[@KICK839]

Yes I enjoy this one very much. Watch it for Jessie n christin Stewart.

[@michaelcarroll9416]

Man I love this movie

[@sportify4849]

Adventure Land is that kind of movie for me, which shows a strong resembling person out of my real life, which you love but can not have. 6:28 - 7:03 I just feel it when watching Adventure Land.

[@justinbryson8695]

I always loved this movie. I have seen it so many times over the years. I never thought of it as a Comedy, or even a Comedy / Drama. I always thought of it as a coming of age Drama / Romance. Great movie. Loved the Soundtrack.

[@johnparkes2452]

I saw this from the movies Adventureland was in board near the bathrooms

[@markminter6312]

Greg Mottola is underrated as a director as well.

[@ryanmackaay]

I love this movie, I watch it every summer

[@theolegrand8112]

my favourite movie. from france. thank you very much !

[@peoplespoet98]

Love this film. The Rock me Amadeus joke reminded me of when I was the same age working in Mc Donald’s and having to hear U2 Hold me thrill me Kiss me over and over and over !!!!

[@BloodHeroProductions]

FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE WHO FEELS THE SAME, I FOUND YOU!

[@highwind1991]

Been saying this for the last 11 years

[@daniel_netzel]

We gotta keep saying it louder!

[@thedude5293]

It's just a beautiful film

[@ericy1]

Holy shit I can't ever recall sitting down and watching this but for some reason my memory is screaming I've seem this before... Weird

[@Theimmortalmisfit]

Wholeheartedly agree

[@bellarmino4406]

It's a very sweet little movie with a great soundtrack, but not more.

[@anappleiam4214]

Seven minutes man? I need more

[@daniel_netzel]

Haha, oh stay tuned. Honestly this one came together pretty quickly as the video I've been working on was going to make me miss my deadline. I might even do another quick one to really dive in on it, its probably going to be 20+ minutes when it's all said and done.

[@amodtiwary6399]

love this movie

[@kentakano3562]

just finished it 19 minutes ago, it's really a underrateddd classic!!!

[@youtubemember1115]

Potheadland

[@aspetty]

I render watching this movie and thinking to bad this want released in the fall or early winter because the screenplay is going to be slept on for the Oscars

[@Ty-vj4wg]

Fun fact: the movie is based on the directors experiences working at the Adventureland theme park on Long Island.

[@greendaleforever]

In my top 5 favorite movies of all-time

[@flamingfilms]

I love adventueland! I watch it every summer

[@ganesha.k.s]

I always get confused between this and American Ultra. Ones good and the other not so much. Great video

[@daniel_netzel]

I still haven't seen that, but I'd check it out at some point. Totally different movies but I like the two of them together enough to give it a shot.

[@RueTV]

Film Radar I’d check it. Don’t love it as much as Adventureland, but it’s a thumbs up from me.

[@MISAEL602]

This made me rewatch the movie. I rented it back in the day expecting a superbad type of film so after 30 min in I shut it off and said it sucked. Till this video I rewatched it last week and I loved it! Thank you for this. Almost all your videos makes me go back to rewatch films from a different POV.