Film Reviews

Post-Grad

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Alexis Bledel
• Details: US/88mins 12A

Initially seeming like it could be the modern day equivalent of Working Girl, Post Grad is far too schizophrenic and clichéd to even remotely amuse. Former Gilmore Girls star Alexis Bledel certainly has the ability to charm in such a role - were it decently written and directed by someone who appeared to know what kind of movie they were making. Messy, completely lacking in focus and a waste of the talents of Jane Lynch, JK Simmons and Bledel, there could be a warped curiosity here to see just how much Michael Keaton can overact. Spoiler alert - it's a lot.
Bledel is Ryden Malby, a young woman with her whole life ahead of her, having lived a fairly pedantic college existence in order to achieve the best possible grades and bag her dream job. Only trouble is, she doesn't get her dream job and must move home to live with her sitcom-quirky family, headed by her hyper father Michael Keaton (channelling Homer Simpson, just not as funny as that sounds). Not only can she not find work, but she has a hot exotic neighbour to deal with, and a best friend who wants to be more than just best friends.
Post Grad could've actually worked if it was more of a broad, college-relationship comedy. Its two leads are affable enough and work nicely together; but that entire element of the story, which seems to be the core intention of the movie, is constantly side-tracked by the Malby family. You never for a second believe that these people are related, and every scene feels so forced, you half expect Keaton to burst a vain in his forehead. Lynch is never given a chance, and Simmons fares even worse in a nothing role as the love-interests father.
Bledel still has every chance of becoming a star, but this boring black hole of a comedy hasn't helped her cause. Wait for the DVD then don't rent that either.

Review by Mike Sheridan