Advance word has been strong on Young Adult, the new flick starring Charlize Theron from director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody. And though I'll take crap for it, I can't wait to see it.
I've enjoyed all of Reitman's features so far. I think he's an intelligent filmmaker who makes smart, stylish films for adults — a feat few are allowed to accomplish in a time when the blockbuster rules and a win-the-weekend mentality reigns supreme.
Cody's involvement is a bit more troubling. While the words "written by Diablo Cody" often incite a stream of furious invective from certain Planet Fury staffers, there's a snarky wit and a love of language at play in her best work that I really enjoy. Admittedly, she has weaknesses, but I like what she does well enough to overlook her problems with structure and narrative (which is pretty much how I feel about Kevin Smith's work). Her dialogue might, at times, be overly precious, but give it to a skilled actor and it comes alive. And that's where Charlize Theron comes in.
In Young Adult, Theron stars as Mavis Gary, a writer of teen fiction who's a bit of a whack job. She's a former "it girl" who's done pretty well, but probably never achieved the life she imagined for herself. And now, she's getting old, drinking too much, and having work and identity issues. After being told by her publisher that she needs to end her popular series of novels, Mavis heads back to her hometown on a mission to steal her high school boyfriend (Patrick Wilson) away from his wife — whether he likes it or not. Along the way, she forms an unlikely friendship with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt) she never really knew, or wanted to know.
Everything I've heard about Young Adult indicates that the film is not what you think it'll be. Cody's work is reportedly miles away from what she's known for, and the trailer seems to indicate that she's grown somewhat. It feels like she's taken one of her bitchy high school students and pushed her 20 years into the future, and in the process given Theron a chance at picking up some awards.
In what ostensibly is a comedy, Theron gets to portray a character that is actually quite broken, which is good news because although she's one of our better actresses, she doesn't get many chances to show it. Even though Theron won the Oscar for Monster, she hasn't had many great showcases since. Based on the preview below, Young Adult might be that showcase role. What's interesting is that her best moments in the trailer are dialogue-free. With only a glance and body language, she devastates.
Reitman has chosen an interesting supporting cast as well. Patrick Wilson is a great actor who is also having trouble finding compelling roles. Sadly, he's rapidly becoming the male Judy Greer. This flick might not change that, but it's always good to see him pop up onscreen.
Patton Oswalt is picking up a lot of buzz from his work here. With Big Fan, he proved he has chops and it looks like he'll get a chance to use them in Young Adult. His scenes with Theron in the trailer are among the best included.
So, check it out and say what you will. I can take it. And, yes, I know better than anyone how misleading trailers can be, but I'm still looking forward to seeing Young Adult.
I read the script for this a while ago and it's really good. I'm most looking forward to seeing Patton rip it up. It's a great character for him to play.
Have to admit, I was chuckling during the previews. Script seems decent, acting looks great, but I'm waiting for the second run theaters to pick this one up. I just have a hard time paying $10 for most any movie, especially when I can wait a few months, pay less for it and have the added benefit of see it in a theater without teenagers talking and texting during the movie (most of the evening showings at these theaters are 21 and over, as you can buy a pint or pitcher of beer with your popcorn and pizza; another massive bonus!).
Advance word has been strong on Young Adult, the new flick starring Charlize Theron from director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody. And though I'll take crap for it, I can't wait to see it.
Everything I've heard about Young Adult indicates that the film is not what you think it'll be. Cody's work is reportedly miles away from what she's known for, and the trailer seems to indicate that she's grown somewhat. It feels like she's taken one of her bitchy high school students and pushed her 20 years into the future, and in the process given Theron a chance at picking up some awards.
I read the script for this a while ago and it's really good. I'm most looking forward to seeing Patton rip it up. It's a great character for him to play.