I first was introduced to Michael Cera, as most of us were, through the incredible show, “Arrested Development”. He played George-Michael Bluth and was perfect for the part. Years later I saw Superbad and was taken aback. Why was he still do the same shtick? Still the same studder and nervous laugh? What’s going on! Although it seemed strange to me, I let it go. Superbad was a great movie and he was great in it. Then I saw Juno. This guy is still doing the same bit? Not only was he doing the exact same character but in the most annoying way possible: through the voice of Juno characters. After Juno I absolutely could not stand him. Little did I know he still had a place in my heart.
Next, I saw with him in Year One. Although it had some flaws, Year One was a fun movie and Michael Cera was, once again, great in it. So I let my guard down. As little as I hate a one character actor, Michael Cera did it well and was damn funny. I had also seen him in some side projects like the Drunk History and the great music video from the band Islands, both I thought were cool. Lastly I watched Youth In Revolt. Any misconceptions about Cera flew out the window as he wined us and dined us in one of my favorite adaptations to date. Little did I know, there was a clone in play.
Michael Cera in the Islands musc video "No you don't"
A few years back I saw an interesting little film called Roger Dodger that stared a new, young actor named Jesse Eisenberg. Although I liked his performance I didn't exactly love it. I was sold on the character but something about Eisenberg didn't feel real. I quickly forgot about him till Wes Cravens, Cursed. Again, I was sold on the performance but he was playing the same character and doing it poorly. When Adventureland came out I finally put all the pieces together and realized what he was doing: A poor man's version of Michael Cera.
When investigating Jesse Eisenberg, I was surprised to see that Roger Dodger had come out in 2002 and "Arrested Development" didn't start til 2003. Strange. Two actors doing the same exact bit, in the same way, without knowledge of each other. So why is Eisenberg the poor man's Michael Cera and not the other way around? One simple reason: talent. Cera pulls off the nerd character flawlessly. We believe him and we love him. Eisenberg feels tired and forced. Plus Cera has Ron Howard, Jason Bateman, Seth Rogan and Harold Ramis on his side! Who does Jesse have? Wes Craven, Jeff Daniels and Woody Harrelson? Sorry Woody but Natural Born Killers was 15 years ago!
So, do you think this drives Michael Cera crazy? Do you think he watches Zombieland in a fit of tears and screaming? Maybe Cera wants to fight Jesse and Jesse can't go to certain parties or openings in fear of Michael Cera's posse. Wait, scratch that. Cera is about 115 soaking wet, McLovin could take Cera in a cage match with no glasses.
So really, here's my proposal. Both of you need to drop the act. We have seen that character in many good movies and we are ready to move on. If either of you are truly talented you can take on different roles and try new things. Even if you get type cast as the nerdy shy boy, do we really need to hear you stutter and look at your shoes for the thousandth time? I think we will survive with out another nervous-small-talk-with-the-pretty-girl scene. Step up your game! Either that or fight. Your choice.
