Home Video: Four Great Films by Ghostbusters: Afterlife director Jason Reitman and Where to Buy, Rent, or Stream Them

Jason Reitman, son of famed director Ivan Reitman, has had mixed results lately with his films, but he started his career with four great films in a row. Each of them is unique, and each of them has a human, comedic touch; here are Jason Reitman’s first four films and where to buy, rent, or stream them.

Thank You For Smoking (2005)

Thank You For Smoking might be my favourite Jason Reitman film. Following the chief lobbyist for big tobacco (played perfectly by Aaron Eckhart), the film highlights the absurdities of the smoking debate, the way media is manipulated, and the processes by which we regulate our society. It’s wonderfully acted, brilliantly scripted, and darkly funny—an amazing trifecta.


Juno (2007)

In the film that put him on the map, Juno tells the story of a high schooler who finds herself pregnant. An excellent script that balances its serious themes and twee affectations nearly perfectly launched the career of Diablo Cody and cemented Elliot Page as a young actor to watch.


Up In The Air (2009)

If Juno put him on the map, Up in the Air cemented Reitman as a significant talent. George Clooney gives one of his best performances, with substantial supporting turns from Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick; this film was nominated for six Oscars (including best picture, director, and screenplay for Reitman himself) and six Golden Globes (including a win for best screenplay). One of the great films of the 2010s and never not worth revisiting.


Young Adult (2011)

Perhaps the most underrated of these four films, and cursed with a tough act to follow, but Young Adult is better than most give it credit for. It features an excellent (and Golden Globe-nominated) performance from Charlize Theron and has a great mix of humour and pathos. The one you’re most likely to have not seen, so why not fix that now?


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