Wow! Where do we even begin with "Young Adult," Jason Reitman's ultra dark comedy starring Charlize Theron as a seemingly successful YA author in Minneapolis who returns to her tiny hometown to reclaim her now-married-with-kid high school sweetheart for her own? While most agrees that it starts out incredibly strong -- it seems Mavis Gary, a popular small-town girl who "made something" of herself in the big city may not have it all together after all -- nearly every person I know who's seen the film is ambivalent about the final third, as Mavis attempts to seal the deal with her former flame. Screenwriter Diablo Cody does an admirable job of making her protagonist completely heinous, yet allowing the audience to still care for her, if not "root" for her. This would not be possible if not for an understated (yet Oscar-worthy if they gave them out for comedies) supporting performance by Patton Oswalt, whose blunt relationship with Mavis allows us to feel like we have a say in the matter. His reactions to her hijinks are priceless, and Patrick Wilson and Elizabeth Reaser are also pitch-perfect as the "nice guy" ex-flame and his incredibly tolerant wife.
5 comments:
I love Patton Oswalt but after 'Big Fan'... Oy! I do want to see this movie because I like the cast and creative team and being made to squirm in my seat!
Never before noticed that Patton Oswalt sort of looks like a young Newt Gingrich.
Hi K,
I saw it yesterday. I was drawn to the whole author aspect of the film but as I sat through it, especially during the second half, I wasn't laughing or enjoying the film. I kept asking myself "Where is this going?" It lacked the wit and light-hearted humor of "Juno." Young Adult just felt like an overall downer. It reminded me a little of "Rachel Getting Married" in substance but that movie kept me engaged til the end.
Sorta like watching an approaching car wreck on the highway. You see it coming and yet can't turn away. Does that make this a great film? Not if the events were telegraphed far ahead of themselves, which I felt they did. And it sure made me uncomfortable watching. I didn't have much sympathy, or is it empathy, for Mavis.
I thought it was great. It is a rare film that plumbs the depths of dissatisfaction and unhappiness like this one does. Some scenes had me squirming with discomfort, which can be a delight in some ways.
Steve
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