“Adventureland”
** 1/2 Rating | From the director of “Superbad” comes a pretty good comedy. Greg Mottola’s semi-autobiographical film proves he has a feel for the gentle as much as the base. Jesse Eisenberg is James Brennna, a college grad who finds himself working at an amusement park. There he meets misfit proprietors (goofballs Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig), minor celebs like resident hottie Lisa P. and handyman Connell (Ryan Reynolds). He also falls for the coworker he just might lose his virginity to, Em Levin (Kristen Stewart). Every generation has a version (or more) of this story. That said, Martin Starr quietly steals the show and tucks it in his satchel as Joel Schiffman. The sensitive observer sees all and knows much, gifts that do little to protect him from the wounds of bigotry. R. 1 hour, 47 minutes. Lisa Kennedy
“The Informers”
* 1/2 Rating | Don’t let the cast for this adapation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1994 novel tempt you. Kim Basinger, Billy Bob Thornton, Mickey Rourke, and Winona Ryder do journeyman work for naught. The lost Angelinos shown mired in lives of detachment, contempt and debauchery in the Reagan ’80s are bored. Worse, they’re boring. R. 1 hour, 38 minutes. Lisa Kennedy
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