The 100th film on list of best 100 films of 21st century

Recently The New York Times published a list of the 100 best films of the 21st century. The selection panel included Oscar-winning directors Pedro Almodóvar, Sofia Coppola, Barry Jenkins, Guillermo del Toro, and actors Julianne Moore, John Turturro, among others. Streaming services and superhero blockbusters have radically changed the way films are watched and thought about in the past 25 years. It is expected that the films on this list will stand the test of time. In this series we will look at those films— which ones to watch, why to watch, what to look for in them, how they are different, their philosophical conflicts or reasons for becoming cult classics. The writing will generally be spoiler-free, but where necessary, spoilers will be indicated.

Today’s film: The 100th film on the list— Superbad
About Superbad The New York Times wrote: “Every generation gets its own teen comedy,” one that represents the youth of that time. For the 21st century, that film is Superbad. Released in 2007, this film is packed with obscene jokes, yet carries a very cheeky and sweet air throughout. From a South Asian perspective, its obscenity may feel unacceptable. Director Greg Mottola took the ridiculous antics to another level with retro-style opening titles and a series of hilarious scenes.

Superbad is one night of chaos and one epic saga of a ‘McLovin’ ID! Imagine being in your final year of high school. College life will begin soon, and your best friend may move to another city. At this time there is only one thought— to become a little “cool” before going to college! At the centre of the story are two best friends— Seth and Evan. They are inseparable, but extremely awkward. Before high school ends their only goal is to lose their virginity! The chance arrives. They are invited to a party by Jules, the most popular girl at school. The condition is— they must bring alcohol for the party; but under 18, how will they buy it? This is where the real hero (or zero?) enters. Their other friend Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) has made a ridiculous fake ID. What name is on it? McLovin. Just McLovin! No first name or surname. Address— Hawaii. Age—25. With this one ID the night explodes into mayhem. What follows is madness, misunderstandings and the ultimate test of friendship all through the night.

The screenplay was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Interestingly, they started writing this story when they were only 13–14 years old. The two lead characters are also named after themselves— Seth and Evan. That is why the friendship and dialogues feel so real. Nobody liked McLovin. Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who played Fogell aka McLovin, was an ordinary high school student with no acting experience. Jonah Hill disliked him during the audition. Seeing this irritation, the director knew their on-screen chemistry would work perfectly! For today’s superstar Emma Stone, this was her first big-screen work. Her Hollywood journey began with this film. Many scenes were not shot exactly as written in the script. The actors improvised many lines, making the film funnier and more spontaneous.

Made on a budget of just 20 million dollars, the film grossed nearly 171 million dollars at the box office and became a blockbuster hit. Superbad is not just a comedy, it is a brilliant coming-of-age story. The transition from adolescence to youth, the tension of friendship and the pain of parting are beautifully portrayed. The name ‘McLovin’ is now a pop culture icon. Whenever fake IDs are mentioned, this is the name that comes first. The language and dialogues resemble real teenage life, allowing young audiences to connect easily.

Why is this film a cult classic
Superbad is very different from other teen comedies. Its uniqueness lies in its honesty. The dialogues are raw, vulgar and often uncomfortable, but that is precisely why they feel so real. The meaningless quarrels, disgusting jokes and bizarre plans among friends all reflect our own high school lives. The friendship hidden behind the silliness has turned Superbad into a cult classic. However dirty the jokes and wild the antics may seem on the surface, beneath lies a sweet story of Seth and Evan’s friendship. They know college will separate them, and this fear of separation constantly haunts them. The emotional moments at the end will surprise you. Such a perfect emotional touch behind a comedy is rare, and of course, McLovin! ‘McLovin’ is not just a name, it is an icon. The transformation of Fogell into his McLovin persona, his adventures with two irresponsible policemen (Bill Hader and Seth Rogen)— this subplot is one of the film’s greatest charms. The line “I am McLovin” has become one of the most famous in film history.

What not to miss while watching Superbad
First, the chemistry between characters. Jonah Hill (Seth) and Michael Cera (Evan) share amazing chemistry. One is restless and foul-mouthed, the other calm and shy. Their conversations and dependence on each other are the soul of the film. Then comes the irresponsible police duo. Bill Hader and Seth Rogen’s cops are more busy having fun than enforcing the law. Their antics are so hilarious that alongside the main story you will also become their fan. Then there are the awkward moments. Superbad is full of moments that make you more uncomfortable than amused. This cringe comedy is one of its strengths. The stupidity and social awkwardness of the characters are the funniest parts. The music is also excellent. The funky 70s soundtrack gives the film a stylish vibe, creating an odd contrast with its comedy.

Absurdity and existentialism: McLovin’s adventure
The philosophy of absurdity or meaninglessness by French philosopher Albert Camus oddly matches Superbad. For Seth and Evan, providing alcohol at the party for that one night is the most important task of life. The terrible and hilarious situations they go through for this trivial goal mirror the broader meaninglessness of life. At the core of the film is Seth and Evan’s deep but complex friendship. Greek philosopher Aristotle described three types of friendship:

1. Friendship of utility: where benefit is the main aim.

2. Friendship of pleasure: where it lasts because company is enjoyable.

3. Friendship of virtue: where friends respect each other’s character and wish each other well.

Seth and Evan’s friendship passes the first two and reaches the third. They depend on and accompany each other. But when they have a fierce quarrel, their insecurity, love and fear come out. They hurt each other because they know college will separate them. This fear of separation gives their bond a new depth. In Sartre’s philosophy, the concept of the ‘Other’ is important. Our identity depends greatly on how others see us. Seth and Evan are each other’s ‘Other’. Evan knows the insecurity hidden behind Seth’s overconfidence and vulgarity, and Seth understands Evan’s excessive anxiety. They complement each other. So the fear of separation is actually the fear of losing a part of one’s identity.

Identity, mask and a tale of transition
Fogell’s “McLovin” character beautifully illustrates the idea of identity construction. The fake ID is not just an object, it is a mask. Behind this mask Fogell becomes a confident person he is not in real life. This reminds us that we all wear masks in social situations and start believing them. The film is essentially a tale of transition. Seth and Evan are stepping from a childish world into the harsh realities of adulthood. The party adventure is a symbolic ritual of this transition. By the end they learn that adulthood does not come from drinking or sexual encounters. Real maturity comes from accepting harsh truths and understanding the complexities of relationships. Superbad is a philosophical tale of adolescence, friendship and self-discovery. Beneath its vulgarity lies a strange honesty, teaching that life’s most meaningless and ridiculous moments often give us the greatest lessons.

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 88 percent, on Metacritic a score of 76/100, and on CinemaScore it received an A grade from audiences. Superbad is a film that will make you laugh till your stomach hurts, and at the same time make you sad for the sake of friendship. If you have not yet seen this masterpiece comedy, why wait? And if you have, there is no better film to re-watch with friends! Because at the end of the day, friendship is the real Superbad or Supercool.