Young Adult marks Jason Reitman’s first film since 2009’s critically acclaimed Up in the Air. Written by Juno’s Diablo Cody, the dramedy centred on CharlizeTheron’s emotionally stunted ghost-writer initially appears to be fitting companion piece to Reitman’s powerful depiction of a career-dedicated life.  However, despite a terrific turn by Theron, the film is marred by a third act devoid of heart, substance and sensibility.

Young Adult is released on 3 February in the UK

Theron is Mavis Gary, a 37-year-old author of a fiction series for young adults.  Recently divorced and being pressured to complete the series’ final book, Mavis trudges through life with her loyal Pomeranian by her side.  Her life of boozing and laziness becomes disrupted by a birth announcement from her former beau, the now married Buddy (Patrick Wilson). Mavis sets out to rescue her ex from family life- which is likened to being held hostage.  Returning to her home town from Minneapolis under false pretences, Mavis encounters an array of blasts from the past, including “hate crime guy” Matt (Patton Oswalt), left disabled after a high school beating and now living with his completely under-developed sister (Collette Wolfe).  Aware of Mavis’ true intentions, Matt acts as her confidant, drinking partner and the voice of reason (duly ignored, of course).  Stubbornly insistent on reclaiming her past glories, Mavis presses on with her plan to steal Buddy away, resulting in painfully awkward consequences.
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