Young Adult (***1/2 out of ****)

When breaking down this movie it's odd that as a product it's so successful. Mavis (Charlize Theron) is a character that the audience likes less of by the minute. However somewhat like the residents of the town we keep giving her a second chance. To warm up this film seems strange and the easiest thing to do. The film is above all else hilarious, executed well, contains unique characters and is very well acted. Young Adult is the dark comedy of the year.

Mavis was the most popular girl in her high school when she was younger. The blonde girl that we see in movies that walks around with an entourage and everyone puts on a pedestal as a golden god. Mavis is now 37 and has peaked hard. She is a somewhat successful author (the book series is failing now hence somewhat) lives in a Minneapolis condo in a pigsty. There are a lot of little characteristics Mavis has that will bring a goofy grin to your face. Mavis finds out her high school sweetheart has a kid and is married. Mavis being the upstanding citizen must rescue him for a loving family in a small town. Yes Mavis is the villain. She flirts with Buddy (Patrick Wilson) and drinks heavily with a geek she use to never give a thought about. The geek is played by Patton Oswalt in a terrific role. He's the heart the film needs so that Mavis' actions seem plausible. Charlize Theron gives one of her best performances in this fantastic film. I expected high things from the returning team of Retiman and Cody and I was not let down in the slightest. Every laugh comes with a little slap but you'll want to leave battered and bruised.

***1/2 out of ****