‘Youth’ Revolts Back to January

Michael Cera just isn’t Academy Award-caliber.   How else can you explain The Weinstein Company’s decision to push the new comedy, ‘Youth in Revolt,’ back to January from its previous release date of October 30th.   The new date is January 15th, to be precise, and the film, currently playing at the Toronto International Film Fest, is getting better than average scores, even if it is slightly hit-or-miss among critics.

This is a strange move considering there are no wide releases slated for October 30th.   ‘The Boondock Saints II: All Saint’s Day,’ ‘Endgame,’ ‘Gentleman Broncos,’ ‘The House of the Devil,’ and ‘Turning Green’ are all set for limited release on that day.   ‘Youth in Revolt’ was planned for a limited release, as well, though its release was sure to be wider than your standard “New York and LA” limited fare.

This move pits ‘Youth in Revolt’ in the dead zone of the world of the motion picture release schedule.   Opening opposite it on January 15th are ‘The Book of Eli’ and ‘Hoodwinked Too!,’ two films wholly different in nature than the teen-based comedy.   The push won’t necessarily garner the film any more attention, and it’s not like The Weinsteins are trying to get away from any Halloween, horror season.   With films like ‘Daybreakers’ and ‘Legion’ opening up in January, the early part of 2010 seems more horror-related than this coming October.

Regardless of reasoning, ‘Youth in Revolt’ remains firmly on my “anticipated” list.   The trailer looks hilarious and it’s going to be interesting seeing Cera play more of a bad-ass part, even if it’s all in his head.