This week in movies – The Sitter, Young Adult, and more

– by Shawn Conner

Jonah Hill has a new movie this week, The Sitter. Charlize Theron does as well, Young Adult, written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman. Then there’s the romcom New Year’s Eve, which our reviewer Julia Brown did not enjoy AT ALL (see her New Year’s Eve review here). And for those of you who read books, or did at one time, a new movie version of John le Carré‘s novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy also opens.

Here’s a brief rundown of what to expect:

Young Adult – As mentioned, this one involves Theron, Cody, Reitman – and also comedian Patton Oswalt (who showed up at this year’s Whistler Film Festival to accept an award). This movie might have the most potential based on its pedigree. I wasn’t a huge fan of Cody’s 2009 movie, Jennifer’s Body – the script could’ve been a lot tighter – but she is a clever, funny writer, Reitman’s a solid, funny director, and the premise – an author of young adult novels returns to her hometown to fuck shit up – is intriguing.

Trailer – Young Adult:

The Sitter – The bad news: the new Jonah Hill comedy is sitting at a measly 23 per cent approval rating at RottenTomatoes. The good news: it’s only 80 minutes long.

Trailer – The Sitter:

http://youtu.be/PPLC5wiarJg

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – Is there room at the multiplex for a thoughtful, complex story about Cold War spies? Gary Oldman stars as le Carré’s character George Smiley. (Read our list of Gary Oldman’s best roles.)

Movie trailer – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy:

New Year’s Eve – An all-star cast (or Love Boat 2011, depending on how you look at it) is overshadowed by product placement in this holiday effort to separate you for your money. Over at RottenTomatoes, this Garry Marshall romantic comedy has a five per cent approval rating – just enough to beat out the Adam Sandler movie Jack and Jill. (New Year’s Eve movie review)