Cera attempts to lose his virginity – again

Michael Cera has constructed not only a career but an iconic status as the hesitant, laid-back, ladies man in disguise who is too nice to seal the deal.

“Youth in Revolt” features a recycled story line with a cliche twist that works better in action movies: Nick (Cera) creates an alternate persona to do the dirty work it takes to win the heart of Sheeni (Portia Doubleday).

When naval officers threaten Nick’s mother’s boyfriend Jerry (Zach Galifianakis), both move to a beach trailer park where Nick meets Sheeni. But he’s not daring enough to make a move and when forced to leave Nick has to figure out a way to get kicked out of his mom’s house so he can be reunited with Sheeni.

Throw in Sheeni’s douchebag boyfriend, her religious parents and a giant fire and Nick has his work cut out for him.

A plot based on a teenage guy trying to score has been done to death, even in Cera’s previous movies. If the disjointed story can be accepted the film does have humorous moments thanks in large part to a supporting cast that includes Justin Long, Fred Willard, M. Emmet Walsh and a dose of psychedelic mushrooms.

The revolt is lacking, but Cera’s performance shows that he has what it takes to headline a comedy.