YOUNG ADULT (2011) **** D: Jason Reitman. Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser.
While writing her latest novel, an author returns to her hometown in an effort to reconnect with an old flame. With each passing day things become more awkward and desperate as she tries to come to grips with what brought her home in the first place.
Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody reteam for this very entertaining dark comedy about a career woman who is having what can only be described as a mental breakdown.
Charlize Theron is fantastic as Mavis. Played like a bitch but you can see there's something there beneath the surface that is eating away at her. Patton Oswalt is charming as hell as an old classmate who repeatedly warns her not to go after her ex, Patrick Wilson. The two have great chemistry that really helps the tense and tender scenes they share.
Like "Up in the Air" there are many elements that an audience can relate to. Longing for a lost love that you can never have back, watching helplessly as you watch a friend go down that road of desperation, the lack of affirmation from loved ones because they just don't get you.
By no means your stereo-typical comedy, it seems it's being billed as a quirky comedy. There is plenty of funny moments but it is first and foremost a dark dramedy.
Beyond what I've mentioned it's kinda difficult to go into detail, at the risk of revealing far too much, about the film. There are character arcs that you think you know where its heading but in the end you don't know anything. You'll just have to see for yourself.
As a whole it is a funny and engaging character piece that you'll either like or hate. I for one liked it.
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