Heroes of the Zeroes: Superbad

Heroes of the Zeroes is a daily, alphabetical look back at the 365 best films of 2000-2009.

"Superbad" Rated R 2007

Stamped with producer Judd Apatow’s irresistible blend of filth and feeling, “Superbad” was as knowingly bittersweet as it was hilariously profane and frankly sexual.

Indie-film director Greg Mottola never lingered on the ick factor, far more interested in the direct talk about loyalty, loneliness and teenage frustration.

Written by Evan Goldberg and co-star Seth Rogen, “Superbad” bursts with riotous kicks and intelligent, witty choices. The girls pursued aren’t unattainable for overweight or schlubby guys. Its funk-soul soundtrack is the sort that plays in every man’s brain at least once in his life when making a play. And since the subject matter isn’t era-specific, certain scenic details zig and zag.

Still, this bromance wouldn’t be the same without star-making turns from Jonah Hill and Michael Cera as, naturally, Seth and Evan — lifelong pals nearing the end of high school, and perhaps their friendship, trying to get lucky at an end-of-year party.

Tapped to buy alcohol, they enlist Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) whose fake ID reading McLovin sets off a sequence of events that eventually involve a pair of rowdy cops (Rogen and Bill Hader).

You’ll forever savor both Fogell’s bogus name and Mintz-Plasse’s debut performance, blossoming from a squeaky-voiced punchline into the only self-confident amigo.

2007’s funniest film reassured that there is no prefab encompassing approach to life or getting laid that works — just the hope that stumbled-upon strengths at both will point you in the right direction. En route, barking at the moon can be a great temporary defense mechanism.

Superbad Redband Trailer - The best video clips are right here