RATING:
PG-13 for sexual situations and brief strong language.
GENRE:
Comedy
RELEASE:
August 21, 2009
STARRING:
Alexis Bledel, Zach Gilford, Michael Keaton, Carol Burnett, Rodrigo Santoro, Jane Lynch
DIRECTOR:
Vicky Jenson
DISTRIBUTOR:
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Please Note
In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.
MOVIE REVIEW
Post Grad
By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer
CBN.com
- When the bad outweigh the good in a movie, it’s safe to bet that it will not be a big hit. Unfortunately, this is true for Post Grad, which tells the story of college graduate Ryden and her move back home after failing to find a job. Besides the fact that it seems to be brought to us by Eskimo Pies, Post Grad just doesn't make the grade.
The Movie in a Minute
After graduating from college, Ryden's big plans to work at Los Angeles’ most prestigious publishing company and move downtown fall flat – forcing her to move back in with her eccentric family. While Ryden attempts to find a job, she’s faced with figuring out what she really wants in life, and which guy to go after – her best friend or the cute, older neighbor.
How Post Grad Failed
Let’s start with what Post Grad does well. One name: Carol Burnett. This Hollywood legend, as Ryden’s crazy grandmother, makes this movie bearable. Her comedic timing is classic. One particularly funny scene from the film is set at a funeral home, when Burnett’s character is picking out her coffin.
Post Grad screenwriter Kelly Fremon came up with a good story idea of a girl who struggles after not being able to find a job after college, however, the script needed more work. This was Fremon’s first big break, so the fact that she hasn’t had a lot of experience might account for why the story is weak in parts. It just seems like she wrote a couple of funny scenes and then haphazardly spliced them together with a few “poignant” scenes.
The film drags a bit. The family’s neighbor, David, was a pointless character. He bogged the story down too much. His purpose, to sidetrack Ryden, could’ve been achieved differently. The whole ordeal just seemed awkward. On that same note, the ending seemed rushed as Ryden and Adam solidified their relationship with a kiss and an out-of-the-blue "I love you" from Ryden on a New York City sidewalk.
A flaw in Ryden’s character development is that she is initially portrayed as an intelligent young woman. Yet when she’s overlooked for her dream job, she becomes more stupid? Her naivety paints her as a not-so-smart, immature girl. Most college graduates hit walls, but this intelligent woman shouldn’t have made some of the “humorous” mistakes she does in the film.
Four Major Offenses in Post Grad
1. Obscenities/Profanity. Most of the cursing is from Michael Keaton’s character, Walter (Ryden’s dad). Not only does he cuss, but on at least three occasions he says G-D. Neighbor David also drops an F-bomb, which leads to the second offense.
2. Ryden’s indiscretion. Ryden’s family walks into David’s home catching her laying on top of him with her blouse off, kissing him. That’s when he lets the F-bomb fly.
3. Passion of the Christ reference. David is an infomercial director, and at one point, Ryden works on his set as an assistant. The scene is David directing his latest project promoting a new guacamole machine. After getting frustrated with a pushy client, David mockingly suggests that he do a commercial promoting “The Passion of the Guacamole”, with his arms stretched out symbolizing a cross.
4. Gross-out “comedy”. Walter accidentally kills a neighborhood cat. He then steps on the cat resulting in a gross, squishy sound. Seconds later, Ryden’s mom reprimands her son, who likes licking other kids’ heads, for playing with the dead cat.
The Final Verdict
Post Grad isn’t worth it. The story is too predictable (especially if you have seen the trailer). The offensive content listed above give moviegoers reason enough to steer clear of this new film.
 Hannah Goodwyn was disappointed with Post Grad. If you've watched the trailer, then you've basically seen the movie -- without having to sit through the obscenities.
Hannah is the Family and Entertainment producer for CBN.com. She also writes regularly for these sections. For more articles and information, visit Hannah's bio page.
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