Those of you heading to the movie theater this weekend to see Adventureland, director/writer Greg Mottola's follow-up to Superbad, will spot a familiar image: Bookmans' "Censorship: The Assassination of an Idea" t-shirt (aka the "Lightbulb" shirt). In the film's opening scene, main character James Brennan (played by Jesse Eisenberg from The Squid and the Whale) can be seen sporting our popular t-shirt as his heart is broken to a Replacements soundtrack.

Bookmans was contacted by a production assistant on the film in September 2007. According to the PA, director Mottola was fond of the shirt (we'd love to know where he first spotted it!) and thought it was perfect for James, a disillusioned college grad who takes a summer job at a Pittsburgh amusement park in 1987. A few phone calls and emails later - one including a photo of Eisenberg wearing the shirt (below), courtesy of the production company - we signed the release and waited, not knowing whether our "Lightbulb" would make the final cut.

Actor Jesse Eisenberg wears the Bookmans
"Lightbulb" shirt in the film Adventureland.

Well, it did, and we couldn't be more thrilled that our shirt (designed by our senior graphic designer, Joel Yohn) has been immortalized in such a fantastic film. Adventureland stars Eisenberg (of course), Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), and Ryan Reynolds (everything). It's a coming-of-age story that feels all too familar and uncomfortable. It's honest, funny, and features a soundtrack loaded with the best indie rock the eighties had to offer (the Replacements, Hüsker Dü, Crowded House, Big Star), Lou Reed (James' musical hero), and a Yo La Tengo score. (James DiGiovanna at the Tucson Weekly wrote a great review of the film in this week's issue.)

Thanks to Allison Robin and Greg Mottola for making us a part of something special. And go see the movie! It's more than worth your tenner. And if you want a "Lightbulb" shirt of your very own, they're available at all Bookmans locations and online.