THE teen coming-of-age comedy is a well established genre in Hollywood. Dorky protagonists, scantily-clad cheerleaders, and bawdy humour all feature heavily in the likes of Porky s and American Pie. Following in these illustrious footsteps is Superbad. P

THE teen coming-of-age comedy is a well established genre in Hollywood.

Dorky protagonists, scantily-clad cheerleaders, and bawdy humour all feature heavily in the likes of Porky's and American Pie.

Following in these illustrious footsteps is Superbad. Produced by Judd Apatow, of 40-year old Virgin and Knocked Up fame, and directed by Greg Mottola, it follows the fortunes of three high school friends - Seth, Evan, and Fogell.

Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera) have been joined at the hip for as long as they can remember.

But with both set to depart for the bright lights of college, they realise that their friendship is set to change forever.

When the coolest girl in school, Jules (Emma Stone), invites them to her party, the pair decide to embark on one last big night out, hoping to score with a couple of hotties in the process.

Jules tasks our heroes with supplying booze for the party, and this leads to them getting into a number of hilarious scrapes, including a hold up at an off licence and an encounter with a bunch of unsavoury types heading for a very different party.

Alongside an array of crude jokes and gross out set pieces, Superbad displays a softer side, the like of which isn't often present in films of this type.

While Cera doesn't reel off many one-liners, his hang-dog expression and masterful use of awkward pauses will have audiences squirming in their seats.

Hill's character is less likeable, displaying confidence bordering on arrogance and possessing a mouth which has a knack of getting him into more and more trouble as the film progresses.

The duo have terrific on-screen chemistry, accurately portraying the close relationship between the boys, even if it is hidden beneath a veneer of alcohol consumption and macho insults.

Stealing the scene on many occasions is Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a loveable geek who accompanies Seth and Evan on their adventures.

Charged with securing some fake ID, he produces a driving licence sporting the unlikely moniker McLovin.

To make matters worse it also declares him to be a 25-year old resident of Hawaii.

A glittering career surely beckons for Mintz-Plasse, who impresses throughout in what is his first major role.

Superbad is unlikely to win any awards for artistic merit, but thanks to a winning combination of comedy and emotion it should receive a super good reception at the box office.