I’m going to say something that has come to be a curse among seemingly all fans of cinema: I Love Michael Cera. Based on his recent cinematic draw, it seems that the general viewing public has come to despise young Cera. The generally accepted rationale for this view is that he, “plays the same character,” and “doesn’t branch out.” The reason Cera has been constantly placed in this character is due to his breakout role on Arrested Development. In this role, Cera cemented his ability to play young and awkward, trying to find love where it probably shouldn’t be. His success on the show has led him to be typecast into such roles, but he has played each with their own subtleties. This is exemplified by recent roles in Youth in Revolt and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World where Cera has broadened his range. So, yes, Michael Cera, thus far, has played essentially “one” role, but this shouldn’t be a slight against Cera. For one thing, he is still very young. At just 22 year old is it any wonder that he hasn’t really begun taking more challenging roles? Second, there are far more actors who do one type of character without the audience turning on them. Nic Cage, Sylvester Stallone, and Bill Murray all come to mind, all of which haven’t seen a slip in their returns due to this. So, stop acting like you don’t like Cera because he does the same roles. Just admit to yourself that you hate him because he plays hipsters.
-Dan Perry