How ‘Superbad’ Is So Much More Than Guys Trying to Go to a Party

by James Mullen

Throughout the past year, I’ve developed a newfound admiration for the talents of Jonah Hill. Among his impressive works in both directing and acting, ‘Superbad’ stands out as a film I’ve revisited five or six times this year. With each viewing, I’ve discovered a deeper appreciation for this seemingly ‘raunchy’ comedy that follows the adventures of three lads on a quest to reach a party successfully, with booze in hand. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend that you do as it is probably one of my all time favourites.

Directed by Greg Motolla in 2007, the movie grossed over $170 million - and for good reason. While the movie was targeted at a primarily North American audience, one thing the comedy does so well at is accurately portraying the elusive thoughts and behaviours in a teen boy’s life: girls frequent conversations, as if they were of an entirely different species, and the feeling of ‘can we go to a party already?’ is often referred to. This relatability definitely adds to the humour of the movie, and enhances its deeper themes, such as the intricacies of a social life in adolescence.

The main plot remains simple: Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) get invited to a party hosted by their crushes, and see it as a perfect opportunity to leave their mark before going to college. However, there is one catch - they must bring the drinks; that’s the plot in a nutshell.

During my first viewing, I was not willing to acknowledge the level of depth that these characters had. But looking back retrospectively, the film portrays them so well. Starting with Seth, his primary aim is to impress his crush Jules by getting her drinks for the party, having become infatuated with her during a baking class together. On top of this, he is driven by his frustration, knowing that he will soon become separated from his inseparable, best friend, Evan, who is going to attend a different college than him with his nemesis: Fogell. Perhaps these plot drivers explain most of Seth’s actions, as he persists throughout the film to reach Jules’ party whilst constantly getting annoyed with Evan.

That said, moving on to Evan. On the complete contrary to Seth, it is slowly revealed to the audience that Evan would rather have a deep, romantic relationship with the girl he admires, Becca. As a result, he is a lot more eager to forget about the alcohol and just wants to get to the party, as he is not necessarily trying to impress her in the same regard. Moreover, his willingness to put up with Seth’s annoyances could be due to trying to keep him happy before he moves on with life and goes to a different college with Seth’s mortal enemy.

Finally, we have Fogell. Fogell isn’t as well developed as Seth or Evan by any means; he is only really driven by the desire to get to the party and have a good time and mainly serves as an important side character who poses obstacles to Seth and Evan. Using the alias ‘McLovin’ and having been punched in the face at a liquor store, he spends most of his time with two hysterical policemen, who promise to drive him to the party. This results in Fogell, or McLovin if you wish, following an almost completely different and unique set of events compared to the other two boys. 

With all of their conflicting drives, desires and interests, these three characters are often put at odds with each other. And despite Fogell only interacting thrice with the two others, I’d argue that these three interactions are the epitome of the movie’s underlying themes. First, as they attempt to buy alcohol at the liquor store, we glimpse the importance of change, especially during the latter stages of adolescence. Second, when the police hit Seth with their car, it vividly illustrates the conflicts faced as we mature and begin to carve out separate paths. And finally when Jules’ party is broken up, reinforcing how vital friendship is and how it must be cherished, despite its ephemeral nature.

So yes, Superbad is so much more than a raunchy comedy about guys attempting to go to a party. Due to its humour and intricate plot and characters, I plan on watching it many more times to come.