Michael Cera says latest flick has appeal beyond teens

Can Michael Cera do no wrong? You can’t help but wonder when you watch “Youth in Revolt,” the latest in a string of Cera films that have hit just the right spot with audiences — and Hollywood execs.

“I’ve been very lucky,” Cera told CTV.ca. “Everything that’s come way has been better than the last part I played. That doesn’t happen all the time — that I know.”

The new film from director Miguel Arteta (”The Good Girl”) is based on the series of books from C.D. Payne which began with “Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp.”

Michael Cera with costar Portia Doubleday in the upcoming film Youth in Revolt that was screened this past week at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

In it loser teen Twisp falls for the girl of his dreams and does everything — even burn down a city block — to win her love.

“I don’t think of this as a teen film. The appeal is broader than that,” says Cera, who embodies Twisp with all the endearing, brainy geekiness audiences have come to expect.

“I was a fan of these books right from the beginning,” says Cera. “I don’t know if I was born to play Nick. But he was a riot.”

Working with Cera was no slouch either, says co-star Portia Doubleday.

“Michael showed me the ropes. He really took pity on me because this was a totally new experience for me,” says the newbie actress. “He’s a funny guy. Trust me. But he’s right there for you, too. As an actor he won’t let you down.”

This story, too, say Doubleday and Cera, won’t fall flat with audiences.

Michael Cera at the Toronto International Film Festival this past week talking about the premier of Youth in Revolt based on the book by C.D. Payne “Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp.”

“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” says Cera. “There is something in Nick we all can relate to. He’s the guy who sits on life’s sidelines — the guy who doesn’t have a chance of things ever coming easily to him. You can’t help but root for him.”

Youth in Revolt was filmed in the summer of 2008 in the Leelanau Peninsula near Traverse City, Michigan for the trailer park scenes as well as other scenes shot around Michigan thanks to a movie production grant that helps pay for a large portion of filming in the state.  This was quite a treat for Michael Cera fans many of whom got to meet the actor on the set and at various places like Starbucks…Yes Michael Cera gets his own coffee in the morning.  He was also seen driving his beloved blue Toyota to and from the set.  “I just love a road trip!” says Michael and he prefers it that way instead of flying.  He even drove all the way to Louisiana for the filming of this summer’s Harold Ramis film Year One.  I admire him for wanting to enjoy even the simple things in life rather than getting caught up in the Hollywood lifestyle.

The Weinstein Company has pushed the long-delayed Michael Cera comedy, Youth in Revolt, to January 15, 2010.  It was originally scheduled for release in October but the company wants to premier it at other film festivals and get the word out about the film.  It is destined to be an awesome film and worth the wait.  For now, check out the movie trailer and enjoy.

~J Michaelson – Editor
~Constance Droganes CTV.ca also contributed to this story

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