Watch Youth in Revolt

"Youth in Revolt" is a charming and offbeat coming-of-age comedy from 2009 that follows the story of Nick Twisp (Michael Cera), a hapless and cynical teenager who is trying to navigate the rocky terrain of adolescence. Nick is a self-described "sexually-frustrated six-foot-tall dork," who lives in Oakland, California with his mom (Jean Smart) and her shady boyfriend, Jerry (Zach Galifianakis).

Nick's humdrum life takes a turn for the better when he meets Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday), a beautiful and intelligent girl who loves literature, French films and Serge Gainsbourg. Nick is immediately smitten with Sheeni and becomes obsessed with winning her heart.

But there's a problem: Sheeni already has a boyfriend, a pompous and pretentious intellectual named Trent (Jonathan B. Wright). Nick is convinced that Trent is wrong for Sheeni and sets out to win her affections by any means necessary.

In his quest to impress Sheeni, Nick creates a bad-boy alter ego named Francois, a suave and sophisticated Frenchman who smokes cigarettes and wears a pencil mustache. Francois encourages Nick to rebel against authority, break the law and become a man that Sheeni will find irresistible.

As Nick and Francois embark on a series of wild escapades, including stealing a car, burning down a trailer park, and getting arrested for theft, Nick begins to realize that there's more to life than just pleasing Sheeni. He comes to understand that true love requires sacrifice and growth, and that he needs to become a better person if he wants to win Sheeni's heart.

Along the way, Nick also discovers some uncomfortable truths about his own family and childhood, and learns to redefine his relationship with his mother and Jerry. And in the end, Nick must come to terms with the fact that growing up means letting go of childish fantasies and embracing the unknown future.

"Youth in Revolt" is a quirky and endearing film that blends classic teenage rebellion with timeless themes of self-discovery and romantic love. Michael Cera delivers a standout performance as Nick, bringing his trademark blend of awkwardness, wit and vulnerability to a character that is both relatable and memorable.

Portia Doubleday is equally impressive as Sheeni, imbuing the character with a mix of innocence and sophistication that makes her a perfect foil for Nick. The supporting cast also shines, with Jean Smart bringing warmth and humor to the role of Nick's mother, and Zach Galifianakis adding a touch of sleaziness to the character of Jerry.

The film's visual style is equally impressive, with director Miguel Arteta creating a whimsical and colorful world that feels both familiar and dreamlike. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of indie and classic rock that perfectly captures the film's offbeat tone.

Overall, "Youth in Revolt" is a charming and heartfelt film that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt lost or uncertain in their own adolescence. With its witty script, talented cast and delightful visuals, the movie is a must-see for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories that are both fun and meaningful.

Youth in Revolt is a 2009 comedy. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 63.