As a fan of the novel this film was based upon, I was less than anxious to watch it. I have become accustomed to seeing the film translation process as a horrific mutilation of stories I enjoy, often involving pointless rewrites, unnecessary fart jokes, and simply unfortunate casting choices.

Fortunately, Youth in Revolt really wasn't that bad. Michael Cera stars as Nick Twisp, an awkward teenager who meets the girl of his dreams and clumsily attempts to woo her. I know what you're thinking. "This is an entirely original role for Michael Cera and I have no idea how he will pull it off!" Have no fear, he appears to have an uncanny ability to get inside the head of the character, who may be schizophrenic and is likely a sociopath. Cera does well with what he's given, even if we've seen it before, and succeeds in making the character relatable and likeable, despite the zany circumstances he finds himself in.

The supporting cast includes solid performances from Portia Doubleday as the love interest Sheenie Saunders, who is as precocious as Juno but half as annoying, Steve Buscemi and Jean Smart as Nick's parents, and Zach Galifianakis and Ray Liotta as his mom's boyfriends. There weren't any standout roles as the plot revolves primarily around Nick and Sheenie.

And what a plot it is. Nick wants the girl and will do anything it takes to have her. Sexually. That includes arson, property damage, theft, and even a malicious doping scheme. The secondary antagonist is Sheenie's boyfriend Trent, portrayed by Jonathan B. Wright. I say secondary because the main conflicts of the movie are between Nick and the universe. Circumstances force him away from his love, so he enlists the help of his bad ass alter ego Francois.

The film is full of restrained humor and solid action sequences. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. The pace of the film is extremely breathless at times, since there is so much that has to happen in only ninety minutes. The best thing I can say about this movie is I wish it were longer.