If you're like me, you'll walk into Adventureland somewhat skeptically - expecting more of the same trashy teenage antics that defined Greg Mottola's last script (Superbad).  Superbad was great one time, but to do it again and again would have been a tragedy.  Mottola, who also directs this time, rises to the ocassion with grace and sincerity.

Adventureland, despite its unfortunate advertising campaign, is a very mature and complex story.  Mottola's writing and direction are subtle, unobtrusive, true-to-life.  The film's cast of characters are like-able, yet flawed - and despite several stereotypical characters, the actors do a great job not playing the stereotypes.

Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart carry the film with charming, subtle performances; one really can't help rooting for them.  The supporting cast, hi-lighted by a vulnerable performance from Martin Starr as the geeky loner, bring a grounded authenticity to this world.

Notable among the technical crew, Melissa Toth delivers a clever set of costume designs that careful not to alienate today's teenage viewer.  She clothes the principle characters in a very tame version of 80s dress and hair, and saves the hot pink pants and curled bangs for supporting cast members who needn't be likeable.  This awareness of the viewing audience will have folks from their teens to their forties loving the central characters.

All in all, a very well done film.  Coming-of-age stories are seldom so earnest.