Ever since seeing Juno I can’t help but get excited when I see screenwriter, Diablo Cody’s (Jennifer’s Body, TV’S The United States Of Tara) name attached to a project. To be blunt she is one of the best screenwriters of our time and she only proves that further with Young Adult, a film in which she makes an audience feel for a character that is one of the most despicable to ever grace her screens.
While Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron – Astro Boy, The Road) may not exactly be a serial killer like Hannibal Lector or Lou Ford, she ranks pretty high as a sociopath seeing her new main aim in life seems to be to break up her high school sweetheart, Buddy (Patrick Wilson – The Ledge, Morning Glory) and his wife, Beth’s (Elizabeth Reaser – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, TV’s The Ex Files) marriage because they sent her an invite that she felt was designed to rub their marriage in her face. While Mavis sees nothing wrong with her plan, her ex-classmate, Matt (Patton Oswalt – TV’S The Heart, She Holler, Raising Hope) tries to stop her.
Cody really has created some memorable characters here. Mavis is an absolute gem her twisted ways and attitude have you constantly guessing what she will do next, while Cody has given her some great one-liners. Somehow, Cody even has you feeling for Mavis and while you never actually find yourself hoping she splits up Buddy and Beth you do find yourself hoping that she can do something that cleans up her life.
Matt is also one of Cody’s brilliant creations. His background and story could only have come from the warped (but brilliant) mind of Cody and in this film she shows all up-and-coming writers the perfect way to create 3-dimensional characters. With her usual wit mixed in with some true dramatic moments Cody really handed director, Jason Reitman (Up In The Air, Juno) another easy ride.
While it is good to see Charlize Theron back up on the big screen it is Patton Oswalt that steals the show in Young Adult. His portrayal of Matt is going to be etched in my mind for a long time to come… and he really does put in one of the best performances of the year in a role that he seems to relish.
Young Adult is a quirky film that wins you over due to its unique characters and intriguing storyline. Diablo Cody you’ve done it again!!!
Year: 2011
Director: Jason Reitman
Stars: Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser
Classification: MA15+
Runtime: 90 mins
Rating: 