Young Adult

Young Adult

"The One That Got Away" is a concept which haunts just about everyone, that elusive dream of "What Could Have Been". However, whether we want to admit it or not, focussing on "The One" who left for greener pastures (and most likely less needy than you) is really just a way to distract you from a few home truths.

After all, it's much easier to blame fate for ruining your life than blaming yourself isn't it?

That's what Young Adult aims to explore, a film that could quite easily be mistaken for a two hour cinematic film clip adaptation of Adele's "Someone Like You".

Academy Award winner Charlize Theron plays Mavis Gary, a writer of teen literature who returns to her small hometown to relive her glory days and attempt to reclaim her happily married high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson).

When returning home proves more difficult than she thought, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt) who hasnt quite gotten over high school, either.

Theron is perfect in the role of the "hot girl in high school who realises that looks don't last forever", juggling just the right amount of vanity and desperation creating a character who is, while worthy of your pity, never manages to earn empathy thanks largely to her self-indulgent ways.

Sadly, it's a largely forgettable film. While it does it's job just fine (Patton Oswalt is excellent too), it's the sort of movie that won't really change your life if you've seen it or not.

Ultimately, this will play as a cathartic experience for those with high school demons still swelling inside of them. The problem which that is, the types of personalities who will really relate to such a character are EXACTLY the types who wouldn't bother watching an indie movie or be willing to make changes within themselves.

That said, perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon which, as science tells us, is the most depressing window of the week.

We've all known girls like this throughout our life, and for once, a movie paints an accurate portrait of a personality that (those not in the "cool" group always knew) - it's lonley at the top!

DVD Special Features

The DVD delivers the usual widescreen 16:9 and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. Special features are few and far between, but see if any of these tickle your fancy...

• Commentary by director Jason Reitman, director of photography Eric Steelberg and first assistant director/associate producer Jason A. Blumenfeld

• The Awful Truth: Deconstructing a Scene

• Deleted Scenes

Conclusion: Movie 70% Extras: 55%