Teen literature writer returns home to reclaim past flame. Year 2011 Theatrical Release 2011-12-09 Video Release 2012-03-13 Studio Paramount Genre Comedy MPAA Rating R CARA language and some sexual content Color Color Runtime 93 Animated Live-Action Full Synopsis Academy Award R 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 hasn't quite gotten over high school, either. Director Jason Reitman Cast Jason Reitman; Charlize Theron; Patrick Wilson; Patton Oswalt; Elizabeth Reaser; J.K. Simmons voice ; Emily Meade; Collette Wolfe; Hettienne Park; John Forest; Brian McElhaney