Michael Cera out-Sartres teen comedy

GENRE: Transgressive teen romance

THE PITCH: After bookish virgin Nick Twisp (Michael Cera) falls in love with trailer park Francophile Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday), he attempts to win her via a campaign of rebellion, abetted by his smooth, sociopathic alter ego, Francois Dillinger (also played by Cera).

MONEY SHOTS: The stop-motion animated credits evoke the opening of “Pee Wee’s Playhouse.” Nick’s automotive mishap causes an explosive fire later dubbed “the Berkeley Blaze.” Nick and a friend escape from a French boarding school. Fred Willard, tripping on mushrooms, intently studies carpet fibers. A faked suicide proves hilariously ineffectual. Cera’s thin mustache and cigarettes while playing Francois always provide chuckles.

Youth in Revolt

3 out of 5 stars. Directed by Miguel Arteta. Stars Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday. Rated R. Opens Fri., Jan. 8. At area theaters.

BEST LINE: “I want to wrap your legs around my head and wear you like the crown that you are,” Francois tells Sheeni. “If that’s OK with you,” Nick adds.

BEST SIGNAGE: “Restless Axles,” the name of Sheeni’s trailer park.

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(Photo Courtesy Bruce Birmelin/Dimension Films, 2009)