Before 'American Ultra', Kristen Stewart & Jesse Eisenberg Made This Charming Summertime Rom-Com

In 2009, the nostalgic indie comedy Adventureland, directed by Greg Mottola, was released – it marked the first collaboration between Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart.

While the movie didn't become a rom-com classic, for a select group of fans, it remains a cherished memory of summer and first love. Eisenberg and Stewart's duo, which would later be repeated in American Ultra and Café Society, create remarkable chemistry.

What Is 'Adventureland' About?

James is forced to cancel his dream summer trip due to financial difficulties. To earn money for college, he takes a low-paying job at a local amusement park.

It's the mid-1980s, and James is stuck in a routine of cotton candy, screaming children, strange remarks from his boss, and dirty restrooms. However, at the park, he meets Em, a coworker with whom he immediately falls in love.

With the rides all around them and a whole summer ahead, they are both destined to grow up.

'Adventureland' Perfectly Captures a Nostalgic Atmosphere, Aided by a Perfect Soundtrack

Adventureland is a sentimental and vibrant coming-of-age story set in the late 1980s: the director masterfully captures the era's atmosphere with familiar hits, flashing amusement park ride lights, and leopard-print leggings.

The soundtrack features music by David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, and The Cure, and the music becomes a distinct character, immersing us in nostalgia.

This nostalgic ode to youth was released shortly after Twilight, but here Kristen Stewart seems more liberated and genuine – she plays a "bad girl" who hides her vulnerability behind a mask of cynicism.

Meanwhile, Jesse Eisenberg creates the image of an unlucky, shy guy trying to find his place in the world. Their on-screen chemistry is so strong that, after watching, you'll want to fall in love with the nice guy or daredevil girl from work.

'Adventureland' Is Fueled by the Spark Between Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg

Adventureland is the first of three on-screen duets between Eisenberg and Stewart – it's here that they create the spark that makes them one of the most unusual and charismatic film couples of the 2010s.

For nearly two hours, not much happens: carousels spin, roller coasters race along their tracks, and boys and girls smile, smoke in the parking lot, and get into silly mishaps.

However, shift your perspective slightly from that of a park visitor to an employee, and turn on the rousing soundtrack, and the fair's routine is filled with life and the sparkle of the moment.

Adventureland doesn't try to be anything more than it is – it's simply a story about summer, first love, and coming-of-age, and it only grows warmer with each viewing.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Adventureland'?

• Adventureland has 89% from critics and 61% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.8/10.

• On Letterboxd, Adventureland scored 3.3/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Adventureland'?

Adventureland is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.