Review of Young Adult (2011) by Bee X — 15 May 2012

I watched Young Adult nearly two weeks ago and I'm still trying to come to terms with my true feelings on it. At its release into theaters, the mainstream critics seemed to gush over it. I'm still trying to make that connection. Young Adult was good -- but caution -- its not THAT good - and its not a feel good movie by any stretch.

The highlights for me were the performances by Charlize Theron and Patton Oswald. Both come to the table with some brutal honesty and it shows as the two try to reclaim their high school childhoods. However, if I were to pick one - it would be Oswald's performance as a lonely adult who never quite transitioned out of adolescence into adulthood. I felt sorry for his character actually. On the other hand, Theron's character began to grate on my every nerve as this film went on - she's selfish, loathing, and immature. I actually hated her by the end.

Young Adult, while just ok - didn't meet the expectations I had going in.