Youth in Revolt: This is a bizarre coming-of-age film that couldn't really seem to find the right tone. Part of the problem is that it reportedly had been sitting on the shelves for a while before getting released and the marketing behind it focused on aspects that do not play a large role in the actual film (like Zack Galifianakis' presence). At times the film wants to play like a realistic portrayal of teen angst, and then other times it tries to have a whimsical, fantasy feel too it. While it boasts an impressive cast (besides those mentioned already, Fred Willard, Justin Long, Jean Smart, Ray Liotta, and Steve Buscemi all show up at various points), that actually works against the film. None of it feels very real when all of these big names keep popping in to scenes. The film has a few funny moments to avoid it from being a complete waste, but for the most part this feels like been there, done that (better). Rating: ***
Paper Heart: Released in 2009 this is documentary with fictional elements. It centers around Charlene Yi (Knocked Up) and her quest to not only find out what love is, but find love for herself. Along the way, she meets Michael Cera and they begin a (real?) relationship. The concept sounds interesting, but it doesn't work in its execution. If this is an actual relationship between these two, it's too intimate of a subject for it to be captured on film. And if it's a phony relationship, then why put on the pretense of it being real? The other parts of the film where Yi interviews other strangers and friends about their feelings on love feel too random and disjointed to draw you in. While some may find the central actors appealing, their quirks were too much for me and ruined the film. Rating: **
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