(Photo: 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection)

Most young actors attempt to stretch from film to film (e.g., Colin Farrell as Sonny Crockett and Alexander the Great). Not so Michael Cera, who has made a flourishing career out of playing virtually the same guy in every project, including this fall’s Youth in Revolt.

Arrested Development (George-Michael)
A sweet, downtrodden, awkward romantic who falls for a confident spaz (Alia Shawkat).

(Photo: Columbia Pictures)

Superbad (Evan)
A sweet, downtrodden, awkward wingman who falls for a confident spaz (Martha MacIsaac).

(Photo: Fox Searchlight)

Juno (Paulie)
A sweet, downtrodden, awkward romantic who falls for a confident spaz (Ellen Page).

(Photo: Sony Pictures/Everett Collection)

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (Nick)
A sweet, downtrodden, awkward romantic who falls for a confident spaz (Kat Dennings).

(Photo: Columbia Pictures)

Year One (Oh)
Stretch! A sarcastic, downtrodden, awkward caveman who’s willing to fall for a woman, any woman.

(Photo: Overture Films)

Paper Heart (Michael Cera)
A sweet, awkward, slightly fictionalized version of himself, who falls in love with a bizarre spaz (Charlyne Yi).

(Photo: Courtesy of The Weinstein Co.)

Youth in Revolt (Nick)
A sweet, downtrodden, awkward romantic who goes insane in pursuit of a more-confident spaz (Portia Doubleday).

Related:

• Archive: “Guides”
• Articles by Logan Hill
• Table of Contents: Aug 31, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!