Adventureland

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Adventureland

R

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

05/27/2016

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.

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

11/06/2009

C+

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

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Ian Nathan

Empire Magazine

09/18/2009

4/5

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

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

12/02/2023

3/4

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

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

02/15/2023

3/4

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

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

09/22/2022

C-

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

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Myra S

@MyraFromOttawa Feb 8

I can't wrap my head around how a movie with such a talented cast can be this boring, grey, and unfunny. The characters were not likeable. There's no plot. I don't get it

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Mal H.

@pabulum Sep 22

Perfect coming of age movie, great cast, understated & funny. On par with any similar genre movies from the 80s & captures some real movie magic. One of my all time favourites.

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Victor T

@Vitococine Sep 21

Es de mis películas favoritas, me encanta la trama, la inocencia de Brennan y como va aprendiendo y madurando ese verano. El final no me gusta mucho porque es muy abierto, quizas me hubiese gustado que se contara un poco mas de la actualidad de los personajes.

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Ed R

@JustcallmeER Aug 9

I am not sure what to make of this move. So many stars that are limited in their acting prowl.

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Dusty R.

@DustyRhoads 07/28/2025

Great story of young love with all of the complications of real life. Interesting arc from dejected to in love to heartbreak and finally forgiveness. All around fantastic film.

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Dani G

@RT81139271 06/14/2025

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

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Greg Mottola

Director

Jesse Eisenberg

James Brennan

Kristen Stewart

Em Lewin

Martin Starr

Joel

Kristen Wiig

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Bill Hader

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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