Adventureland (2009)

As per Ipe New Year’s Eve tradition, my wife and I ignore all the regular hoopla, and settle in for a nice, personal evening. This NYE, we celebrated it with drinking wine and watching Adventureland, a 2009 film written and directed by Greg Mottola (yes, of Superbad fame.)

The move takes place in 1987, and is about a recent college grad Jim (Jesse Eisenberg.)  He was to go to Columbia for graduate school, but needs to raise money over the summer, so he begins working at the Adventureland amusement park in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. While working the summer, he meets various people working the park, bonds, and experiences an interesting summer. He also meets Emily (Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame), and falls for her. You know, one of those deals. Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig also star in this movie, but they are only supporting cast members.

This was a pretty good movie. It’s similar to many other movies in this vein, but it was still an interesting movie to watch.  I liked the direction, the acting was rather excellent by non-famous actors/actresses, and it was entertaining. Best of all? I loved the 80’s soundtrack.  According to the Wikipedia entry, 41 songs were licensed for use.  The original film soundtrack on iTunes doesn’t have all the songs, but I will have to check out the rest. Here’s the listing of songs [from Wikipedia]:

Adventureland – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
# Title Writer(s) Length
1. “Satellite of Love”   Lou Reed 3:39
2. “Modern Love”   David Bowie 3:56
3. “I’m in Love with a Girl”   Big Star 1:47
4. “Just Like Heaven”   The Cure 3:31
5. “Rock Me Amadeus”   Falco 3:18
6. “Don’t Change”   INXS 4:26
7. “Your Love”   The Outfield 3:42
8. “Don’t Dream It’s Over”   Crowded House 3:54
9. “Looking for a Kiss”   New York Dolls 3:18
10. “Don’t Want to Know if You Are Lonely”   Hüsker Dü 3:30
11. “Unsatisfied”   The Replacements 4:00
12. “Pale Blue Eyes”   The Velvet Underground 5:28
13. “Farewell Adventureland”   Yo La Tengo 3:40
14. “Adventureland Theme Song”   Brian Kenney & Ian Berkowitz 0:33

Additional songs

A selection of the songs not included on the soundtrack album:

  • “Here She Comes Now” by The Velvet Underground (plays during the opening credits)
  • “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest
  • “Taste of Cindy” (acoustic version) by The Jesus and Mary Chain
  • “Limelight” by Rush
  • “Bastards of Young” by The Replacements (opening sequence)
  • “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake
  • “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes (used in the trailer)
  • “Tops” by The Rolling Stones
  • “So It Goes” by Nick Lowe
  • “Let the Music Play” by Shannon
  • “Point of No Return” by Exposé
  • “Obsession” by Animotion
  • “Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung
  • “I Want Action” by Poison

And that makes 42 movies for Joel in the year 2009. It’s a wrap!

Adventureland (2009)

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