Based on  C.D. Payne’s novel Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp, Youth in Revolt tells the story of a geeky adolescent boy on the brink of sexual maturity but unable to act smoothly around any female, therefore resulting in uncomfortable social interactions as well as prolonged unwanted virginity.   Sounds like every other role Michael Cera has ever played, you say?  Well, yes.  But he plays it so very well.

Youth in Revolt, however, gives us a unique glimpse at another side of Cera, as he takes on two roles – the first is the geeky Nick Twisp, and the second is Nick’s French inspired persona, Francois Dillinger, a chain smoking “bad boy” with a moustache.   Francois is born after Nick meets Sheeni (Portia Doubleday), the love of his life (or just the first girl to pay attention to him), while on vacation and she tells him that her dream guy is a French man probably named Francois.  When it’s time for Nick to leave, he and Sheeni decide that Nick must rebel against his mother so that he is allowed to come live with his father and be closer to her.   With Francois’ help, Nick gains the courage to knock over cereal bowls, spit on the carpet, and eventually start a 5 million dollar fire in the middle of his town.

Many obstacles, including a slew of police officers ready to arrest him for arson, stand in Nick’s way – but he is determined to be near his beloved Sheeni (and lose his v-card in the process).

Youth in Revolt is an adventure movie, strewn with hilarious supporting characters (Jean Smart, Ray Liotta, Zach Galifianakis, Steve Buscemi, Ari Graynor, Justin Long) and a quick-moving plot.  Cera and Doubleday act with great chemistry, their characters hysterically well versed and proper as they move through the stages of love at rapid, awkward speed.  And though sex was a major theme, it was executed tactfully and believably – a perfect snapshot of a sexually curious young man and his natural desires.

I found myself chuckling often, as I usually do, at Cera’s overall nerdified appearance and stumbling personality.  While there was nothing terribly amazing about Youth in Revolt, aside from maybe the abundant scenes with a very adorable dog who Nick purchases with a 4-stamped Subway card, I still generally enjoyed the entire film.  Rent this one (on DVD today) for a good laugh.