REEL CRITIC:’ Superbad’ is just a super good comedy

If you’re looking for a super good time at the cinema before heading back to school in the fall, I suggest enrolling in the coming-of-age comedy, “Superbad.” This instant classic gets an A-plus in Matt’s entertainment class.

“Superbad” is about three teenage boys trying to get liquor for a party so they can be cool and score some female attention. What will these guys do to get the booze, and will the forbidden liquor produce a happy ending to the final days of their senior year? The plot is simple and the most accurate portrayal of what high school is really like for male students with little or no social skills, or so I’ve been told.

The beauty of “Superbad” is the hilarious script and the way the relatively unknown cast handles the edgy material. The director, Greg Mottola, could have caved in to studio pressure and cleaned things up, but then all realism would be lost. The stars of the film, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, have incredible chemistry, and none of their scenes together appears to be forced, like many current comedies.

The film’s dialogue is extremely nasty and the R rating is well deserved, but trust me, this is how boys talk when grown-ups and girls aren’t around. Many of the people at my screening were under 18, and I don’t blame them for sneaking in. Back in the day, I would have.

Intermingled within the crass humor is a touching love story. I went with my emotional friend Brady, and she was laughing and crying during the 114-minute running time. We both marveled at the acting strength of the female leads, and Martha Maclsaac really shines as the liquefied teenager, Becca. Her scenes during the climax of “Superbad” brought the house to their knees at the AMC 16 in Burbank. I hope Becca comes back for round two in the sequel.

I can’t lie. “Superbad” will be very offensive to various groups, but the rough stuff is mostly language and scenes involving underage drinking. The only nudity is animated but crucial for character development. If you’re easily offended, skip this film and read a book or play Sudoku.

“Superbad” is by far the best comedy I’ve seen this year. It’s super funny, super sweet and a super way to spend a night at the movies.