

It's the summer of 1987, and recent college grad James Brennan can't wait to begin his long-anticipated dream trip to Europe. Unfortunately, James' plans come to a screeching halt when his parents announce that they are unable to subsidize his trip. Forced to take a job at the local amusement park, James prepares for the worst summer ever, until he finds love with a captivating co-worker named Em.
Writing
Mottola's semi-autobiographical script drips with authentic humiliation.
Acting
Kristen Stewart's Em—messy, magnetic, morally complicated.
Score
Lou Reed soundtrack that somehow makes Pittsburgh feel poetic.

Director
Greg Mottola
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mottola actually worked at Adventureland in Long Island; the 'Comet' ride is real, and yes, people actually died on it.
This was Kristen Stewart's 'pre-Twilight' credibility bid—she'd already done Into the Wild and The Cake Eaters, but this proved she could carry adult indies.
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