Rewind – 2007 in Film: Superbad

Superbad is more than just a film. It’s a nostalgia-filled, coming-of-age time capsule. And it’ll always be funny. It’s been 12 years and it still ranks highly as one of the best high school movies.

But why?

Genuine Chemistry

There’s a reason why the story is so strong and relatable and the actors seem to be real-life best friends. Writers and childhood friends, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wrote the Superbad script when they were just 13:

As it took longer than expected to get Superbad in motion, Seth decided against playing himself and instead picked Jonah Hill. Seth did go on to star in it (as terrible cop, officer Michaels) and Evan helped produce it. Because of this, the dialogue between every character is incredible and utterly natural. And the blooper reel is just as hilarious.

Emma Stone

Unbelievably, Superbad was Stone’s first role and she’s an absolute natural. She plays a rare, genuinely funny, female character and bounces off her co-stars. Superbad formed a strong bond between Stone and Hill and the pair collaborated on Netflix’s Maniac a decade later.

“We’ve always stayed in touch. So it wasn’t really like, ‘Oh my God, we haven’t seen each other in a decade, and now we are getting to know each other again,’” said Stone. “We’ve had a friendship throughout the entire time. It was amazing to spend so much time in a row together.” – Emma Stone, Variety.

Arguably, without showcasing her talents in Superbad, Stone may not have had such memorable, genuinely funny roles throughout her career. From self-conscious social climber Olive in Easy A to all singing, all dancing Mia in La La Land, Stone has blossomed into one of Hollywood’s greats.

A Day in the Life

Naturally, films that happen over the course of one day or evening are engaging – we get to follow the characters going about their day, so we attach to them quickly. Just like Ferris Bueller and the gang from The Breakfast Club.

In Superbad we follow Seth, Evan and Fogell from the end of the school day, to buying beer, to getting hit by a car, to dancing with a girl on her period at a party. Their chaotic day makes it easy to relate to both Seth and Evan and all the more funny when each disastrous event unfolds.

More Than Just Dick Jokes

And drawings of dicks (which were drawn by David Goldberg, Evan Goldberg’s brother).

Largely, the reason most of us love Superbad (and will continue to love it) is because it’s got the balance of humour and emotion down to a tee. Whether you loved or hated school, were popular or were like Seth and Evan – when you’re about to leave school you’re embarking on a major life change. And often, you’re not with the people you’ve known since you were little. It’s scary.

In Superbad, Evan realises this earlier on and tries to subtly remind Seth. Instead, Seth chooses to ignore the fact that he’s going to lose his best friend – the pursuit of partying is a brilliant distraction.

It’s not until the last 10 minutes that it really hits Seth. And in one of the most understated, millennial endings ever, Seth and Evan simply say ‘goodbye’ to each other with Seth looking over his shoulder at Evan while going down the escalator. The symbolism is subtle, but moving.

Hopefully in another ten years, Superbad will be just as relatable for those in the same boat as Evan and Seth and those who are “old enough… to party”.