There is a common theme in other reviews of Post Grad. "Simple" "Mediocre" "Okay at best" and all this pretty accurately describes the film. But I need to take it a step further and figure out why and I think the reason is easy enough. What is this film? Is it for teens? Is it for adults? Is it for College kids? Is it slapstick? Is it dark comedy? It jumps the gambit of being all these things and putting a teen favorite actress at the helm who is trying to play a grown up (yes she is well over 20 but you look at her and see little Rory Gilmore.) She is fortunate enough to look very young and seeing her having sex with a middle aged Italian guy is more disturbing than anything. While her comedic ability is a little more subtle and tame and the jokes in the film are exactly the same, other performances in the movie that are rather over the top funny it feels like it sticks out. The story is simple enough and certainly doesn't need a lot of thought but still has a moral message about life and success and such. The romance angle which should be strong in this type of film is rather weak. There is a decent angle with unrequited love but it just feels flat.
Alexis Bledel carries the film just fine. She is a strong actor with a bright future ahead of her I am sure but she is stuck in limbo of where she belongs and this role might be just a tad bit of a jump into adult hood. Still she is fun and awkward (in a good way) and keeps the film flowing decently. Zach Gilford is the best friend that secretly loves her to no avail. Gilford seems long a strong supporting actor but his character doesn't get much other than the unrequited love bit but Gilford and Bledel don't build a lot of chemistry for life long friends. That makes their romantic moments fall a little flat sadly. I adore Michael Keaton but the guy hasn't had a great film in many, many years, I'm thinking late nineties? His role as Bledel's father is cheesy and very slapstick. While he's fun to watch he sticks out in this film because his character doesn't really fit. He's like the crazy relative with a mental problem that you laugh at but feel sorry for. The same could be said for the legendary Carol Burnett but she plays crazy better and she fits more into the film somehow. Plus it's always fun to see her.
Post Grad is far more likely to appeal to teen girls, and even kids. It's a shame that it has some rather intensely adult moments and language which is yet another reason why it won't find the right demographic to be successful or popular. I remember seeing a trailer for it ages ago and then next thing I know it was out on DVD. The you look at director Vicky Jenson, who's big accomplishments rightfully so have been Shrek, and Shark Tale and having worked on countless other kid and family projects. I think she is trying too hard to steer away from her roots in animation and try a grown up movie but leaves the hint of the teenie film behind making Post Grad an awkward, pubescent experience similar to that of the lead character. Check it out, it won't blow your mind, but it's not a total waste of time either. 7/10
Alexis Bledel carries the film just fine. She is a strong actor with a bright future ahead of her I am sure but she is stuck in limbo of where she belongs and this role might be just a tad bit of a jump into adult hood. Still she is fun and awkward (in a good way) and keeps the film flowing decently. Zach Gilford is the best friend that secretly loves her to no avail. Gilford seems long a strong supporting actor but his character doesn't get much other than the unrequited love bit but Gilford and Bledel don't build a lot of chemistry for life long friends. That makes their romantic moments fall a little flat sadly. I adore Michael Keaton but the guy hasn't had a great film in many, many years, I'm thinking late nineties? His role as Bledel's father is cheesy and very slapstick. While he's fun to watch he sticks out in this film because his character doesn't really fit. He's like the crazy relative with a mental problem that you laugh at but feel sorry for. The same could be said for the legendary Carol Burnett but she plays crazy better and she fits more into the film somehow. Plus it's always fun to see her.
Post Grad is far more likely to appeal to teen girls, and even kids. It's a shame that it has some rather intensely adult moments and language which is yet another reason why it won't find the right demographic to be successful or popular. I remember seeing a trailer for it ages ago and then next thing I know it was out on DVD. The you look at director Vicky Jenson, who's big accomplishments rightfully so have been Shrek, and Shark Tale and having worked on countless other kid and family projects. I think she is trying too hard to steer away from her roots in animation and try a grown up movie but leaves the hint of the teenie film behind making Post Grad an awkward, pubescent experience similar to that of the lead character. Check it out, it won't blow your mind, but it's not a total waste of time either. 7/10