Joey Magidson
Jason Reitman, at his best, is one of my favorite filmmakers. The writer/director burst on to the scene with Thank You for Smoking before quickly becoming an A-list storyteller. Often considered at his best when working with writer Diablo Cody (Juno, Young Adult, and Tully), Reitman has now become a bit of an underrated talent. So, with an effort of his that he has a major hand in about to hit theaters, I wanted to go over his work so far.
This week, Reitman’s latest writing and producing effort (he stepped away from directing the film) hits theaters in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The newest Ghostbusters sequel and a follow-up to Reitman’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, you’ll see my review of that movie in a few hours. For the moment, this here is some of what I said about his work helming the prior installment:
Jason Reitman was literally born to make this movie. The filmmaker imbues Ghostbusters: Afterlife with all the love and affection of a fan, but with the moviemaking chops that have nearly won him an Academy Award. The screenplay he penned with co-writer Gil Kenan is classic Ghostbusters, just out in the midwest, as opposed to New York City. This allows Reitman the director to have a completely different visual style and color palette from the previous films. Cinematographer Eric Steelberg goes to town on that, though they always know when to linger on a proton pack, trap or, shot of ECTO-1. The look may be different, but the feel is just right. Certain moments, which I wouldn’t dare spoil, literally filled my heart to the brim. The adventure is there, the comedy is there, and the horror elements are there. But, it’s the emotion of it all that works best, making a good flick great.
Below, you can see how I rank Reitman’s helmed movies so far. I have some slots that should match up with most folks, with Juno and Up in the Air among his top tier efforts. However, I’m also of the option that he’s never made a bad film, so that definitely puts me at odds with others. Take a gander to see my list and then obviously feel free to chime in with yours…
Here now is my ranking of Jason Reitman’s directorial efforts to date:
9. Labor Day
8. Thank You for Smoking
7. The Front Runner
5. Tully
4. Young Adult
3. Men, Women & Children
2. Juno
1. Up in the Air
As you can see, my Reitman ranking is a bit different than most. The big one is how high I have Men, Women & Children, I know, but I maintain that the knives were unfairly out for that one. So, I continue to defend it. This is just where I stand. You all can have a say as well, and I’m certainly keen to find out your thoughts. So, have at it…
How would you rank the films of Jason Reitman? Let us know!
I’ve liked him since his first movie and started loving him after his next 2. 2 of my favorites in the 00’s and to me all timers. Nothing has come close to those 2 for me but 3-6 on my list I liked a lot. But I thought the last 3 on my list were messes that didn’t work at all. I disagree that the knives were out for him. I thought that way a little bit for the way they treated Labor Day…but at the end of the day both movies didn’t work in my opinion so the knives were deserved. And I wanted to like his ghostbusters so much but nothing landed for me. But all is forgiven because he made Up in the Air and Juno.
Fair enough, and duly noted. Interesting list.
I am ride-or-die for Tully. Both my favorite directorial effort from Jason Reitman and my favorite screenplay from Diablo Cody.
Some of their other films I like just fine, others not at all, but Tully? Nothing but the warmest feelings.
Tully is certainly wonderful.
I thought Labor Day was wonderful: unusual and very well directed. It is a woman’s film thus I think the mediocre reviews, and I also don’t think the story-line was not “so far-out” as many have criticized. I am impressed with his directing all-around. I especially liked Juno as well.
I certainly don’t hate it!