It's quite curious at how suddenly bad a director's movies can get after his debut. Fleisher also directed the excellent Zombieland, which is farther up in this list. This film, however, is little more than the typical R-Rated comedy driven by crude, filled with one-note jokes worth a few laughs and a strange, nonsensical plot. What's weird is that this nonsensical plot is apparently based on a true story. Go figure. The movie isn't that bad, however it isn't anything special. There are plenty of crude comedies much more worth watching than this one.
7. Holy Rollers - ★★ (2/4)Holy Rollers is a very average film. It has amazing potential as it is based upon a good and real story; and contains an incredible performance from Eisenberg. It's unfortunate that the movie never managed to rise beyond the genre cliches of the typical nightlife coming-of-age story. It ended up as little more than a typical drama with a non-typical performance from Eisenberg who somehow managed to transcend the limitations of the script. It'd only be worth a watch if you really like Eisenberg.
Rio is a gorgeous looking film that was slightly overlooked amidst the chaos of the previous movie year. It's entertaining, bright and colorful, for children of all ages. The film features Eisenberg as the bird Blu; a bird that goes to Rio de Janeiro in order to breed with the last remaining female of his kind. As would be expected, comedic situations occur. It's neither innovative nor significant, it's merely good, fun entertainment. Good for toddlers and tykes; and maybe some older kids. I liked it for what it was worth.
5. Adventureland - ★★★ (3/4)Adventureland is a sweet little retro romantic comedy who takes full advantage of its setting. As you can tell, Adventureland takes place in a theme park. Jesse Eisenberg stars as James; a graduate who starts working in the theme park in order to fund his graduate studies. At the park, he meets Em, played by Kristen Stewart, who shows much more range than she does in most cases. The movie is sweet and nice; nothing heavily special yet a great film nonetheless. Jesse Eisenberg acts this character quite effectively here.
Roger Dodger is an intelligent film that stars Campbell Scott as Roger who's nephew Nick, played by Eisenberg, comes suddenly into his already complicated life. The film conceptualizes Nick's longing to lose his virginity as comparable to a war. The film for what it's worth is surprisingly poignant. The biggest plus to the film is the performances from the two leads, Campbell Scott and Eisenberg. This was Jesse's break-out performance, establishing his ability as a dramatic actor.
Before Shaun of the Dead comparisons come here, I'll say that Shaun is the superior film. However, this is a pretty damn good film in itself. It's a classic road-trip comedy at heart; with zombies. The film is all-out funny. The editing is sharp and intelligent; one of the few films where it is possible to appreciate random text popping up. The four main cast members-namely Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin-all inject their own level of wit and fun to the film. It's plainly delightful. Harrelson's theme park scene and Bill Murray's random cameo are worth the watch alone.
The Squid and the Whale is an intelligent family drama, extremely sharp and piercing. It's brutally honest; it doesn't gloss over any aspect of a divorce. It's funny in a way that you never want to laugh. The performances from the four main cast members are all astounding. The film centers around a family of four; and the aftermath of a divorce between the two parents. The effects are deeper than what we perceive they are. It's ingenious and filled with an acidic sort of wit. Eisenberg's performance here seems like a stepping stone to his next incredible role...
It was inevitable that this would be on the top. The movie is fantastic, not only because of it’s impeccable script, but also because of it’s amazing insight of the most popular social tool in the world. The story is impeccable. Behind the smokescreen of the whole Facebook deal, it's actually a deep insight onto the modern distraught genius. Eisenberg is riveting as the fast-talking Zuckerberg; whipping off every line. Yet the hints of breaking in his voice cap the performance with the idea that there is still vulnerability. It's a movie about ingenuity and innovation; a depiction of the irony of how the one that linked the entire world cannot, quote, "rub two friends together." It's an incredible achievement.
Unwatched: The Education of Charlie Banks, The Living Wake
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