From the director of “Superbad” … declares the ads for the new comedy “Adventureland.”

But you won’t see McLovin, or a fraction of the raunch that ruled that comedy smash, in Greg Mottola’s latest.

Instead, Mottola delivers a winning tale of young, awkward love and the baby steps we make before entering the Real World.

Oh, and there’s a character whose signature move is punching the protagonist in the nads.

Mottola can’t entirely abandon the base, right?

“The Squid and the Whale’s” Jesse Eisenberg stars as James, a college grad desperate to raise money before embarking on this post-grad career. He takes a menial job at Adventureland, a Pittsburgh amusement park that requires workers to wear a goofy T-shirt and take abuse from snotty customers.

He meets some of the park’s regulars, including Em (Kristen Stewart), and quickly falls for her. She’s beautiful and aloof – how could a young intellectual resist?

But she’s having an affair with an older park employee, a handsome cad given texture by Ryan Reynolds.

When did Van Wilder become such an intriguing screen actor?

“Adventureland” is set in 1987, which allows for some goofy period fashions and an endless loop of “Rock Me, Amadeus” gags. The period doesn’t play into any other factor of the film, though, but audiences will be too amused to care.

The film brims with smart humor, touching remembrances of courtships past and a thoroughly detailed workplace that will resonate even with those who never mopped up vomit at a fun palace.

Stewart is so much better here than in “Twilight.” She’s tortured but grounded, a young woman scrambling to assemble a version of herself for which she can be proud.

Eisenberg does his best Michael Cera – the two could literally be interchangeable – but he’s just sensitive enough to carry the film. He gets plenty of assistance from “SNL” regulars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, who delight as the park’s Mom ‘n’ Pop owners.

And then there’s Frigo (Matt Bush) the latest in the fine line of Stifler standouts.

“Adventureland” loses inspiration in the final 20 minutes, falling back on formula to wrap an otherwise charming tale. It’s still the best comic ride of the year.

(Photo: Jesse Eisenberg and Martin Starrs take a breather from cleaning up dried vomit in “Adventureland.” Photo credit: Abbot Genser courtesy of Miramax films.)

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