Review of Young Adult (2011) by May S — 20 Jan 2013

Jason Reitman, director of such films as Juno and Up in the Air, gives us Young Adult. A funny, touching and honest film that tells the story of Mavis Gary, a thirtysomething author of young-adult fiction who is played brilliantly by Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron.

I honestly feel that Theron was the perfect choice to play Mavis Gary as she comes out blazing with bitchery. Mavis is recently divorced and her life as an author seems to be going nowhere. She drinks Diet-Coke for Breakfast and Bourbon for dinner.

Most of the time she also loves feasting on greasy, delicious chicken at KFC. Eventually, Mavis receives an email informing her that the boy she loved in high school is now a dad. All of a sudden, something hits her like a bolt of lightning.

.. she believes this to be a sign that she must go to win him back. So big-city Mavis travels to her backwater Minnesota town to win back Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson), the boy that got away. Only one problem: Buddy is married, a new dad and doesn't seem to be interested in Mavis.

Screenwriter Diablo Cody, who wrote the script for Juno and Jennifer's Body has done an excellent job on writing the script for this film. In my opinion, the script is one of the films best aspects.

Also, director Jason Reitman has made an excellent coming of age story, with the age already there. In my personal opinion, this is my favorite of his films. As much as I love Juno and Up in the Air, this is my favorite of them all.

As for the performances in this film, I thought they were top-notch stuff; especially Charlize Theron's performance. Theron plays her character in such a way that it makes you understand her as a person despite her monstrous aspects.

Also, I feel that Patton Oswalt's performance as Matt was surprisingly good. Matt is a former classmate who's relationship with Mavis during the film is humorous, charming and vital. This is a very entertaining dark comedy drama.