Superbad (film, 2007) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (novel, 1949)

Superbad (2007)

Superbad on IMDb

I've seen a lot of High School films, it's probably the genre I know the most about. And I'm pleased to say that this film ranks up among the best.

McLovin aside, the acting performances are solid and pretty entertaining, if a little typical. Michael Cera and Jonah Hill work surprisingly well together, considering. Their relationship in the film is extremely close to real-life, which is refreshing.

The jokes are fresh, and the situations are not 'typical cringe', they're original, or at least reworked properly. Anyone remember American Graffiti and the Liquor Store?

My only criticism is that the actresses in the film could've played more prominent roles, or at least been a bit more creative. The best High School films feature female characters who provide more than a love interest, but there was little room in this film for much else.

I'd definitely recommend this as a High School film, as much if not more than a number of other 'classics'. One of very few recent films to receive that honour in the genre.

Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949)

Author: George Orwell

This is probably the novel that defined the genre.

A lot of people go on about how relevant it is to today's society, and how it's like a prophecy, blah blah. To be honest, there are definitely elements of it today, but it is definitely a work of fiction. The interest in this book should be strictly theoretical, rather than thinking of it as applying to today.

Hype aside, the book is really good. It's an interesting read, combining the terrible society created with a bit of social theory. There are definitely undertones of Soviet, Communist, and Socialist themes, but it's more general than Animal Farm by a long way.

If you're not interested in 'social science fiction', then don't read it. As the book ages it becomes more difficult to grasp properly, and there's never any point reading a book just because you can.

Otherwise, it's worth reading. Think of it as a 'What If?', rather than a 'Will Happen...' book. And, of course, the plot is really great, Winston is really portrayed well. A definite classic.