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Post Grad

(2009, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Michael Keaton, Alexis Bledel, Zach Gilford)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Gilmore Girl stars in upbeat, teen-friendly comedy.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie's main message seems to be that love and family come first. That's admirable, but the ending somewhat undermines the idea of why it's important to do what you love, too, sort of suggesting that finally getting together with the right guy trumps everything else.
  • Role models:

    Ryden may be a little unrealistic and overly ambitious, but she has a big heart and means to do the right thing most of the time. Everyone around her is generally quite kind, too; even her "frenemy" seems more misguided than anything else, though she does take swipes at Ryden when she can.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A character runs over his neighbor’s cat, which, coincidentally, he despises. Some bickering.
  • Sex:

    Some making out, but nothing too explicit. Some discussion of herpes.
  • Language:

    Swearing includes one "f--k," plus several uses of "s--t," as well as "ass," "crap," “son of a bitch," "damn," "goddamn," "hell," "oh God," and more.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Social drinking by characters who are of age.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Post Grad

Parents need to know that this lighthearted Alexis Bledel comedy is on the milder side for a PG-13 -- expect some swearing (including a few "s--t"s and one "f--k") and some social drinking, making out, and discussion of an STD. But otherwise it's sweet, if formulaic. The story attempts to address some “serious” topics -- identity, the transition between college and “the real world” -- but it doesn’t get too deep. It has a feel-good message, though that message is ultimately a little muddled: Does the perfect boyfriend really trump real-life concerns like keeping a job you worked so hard to get?

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's final take-away. Which is ultimately more important to Ryden -- her job or "the guy"? Do you think she makes believable, relatable choices?
  • Are Ryden's expectations about post-grad life realistic? Had she managed her expectations, would she have undergone less of a shock?
  • Why are more college grads moving in with their families after school? Is it harder to live on your own given today's financial realities? Is Ryden's family a help or a hindrance to her?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    BAD!!!

    A lot of sex. Over all, just a bad movie about an oversexed teen-ager.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Sujestion that might be helphful

    Loved the Movie a lot. Although i should have seen it when i was twelve, the worst thing for kids there was the aggressive kissing followed by his and her shirt coming off and all the girl has left is her bra. It is not as bad as it sounds, but it's overall very funny

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Loved it, very sweet. One sex scene that included only lingerie being worn, and parents walking in on two unmarried people (one of whom is their daughter) in a extremely inappropriate position, though they never do the act. One use of the F-bomb ('F''' me'), but overall its a mild, well-behaved, enjoyable movie.

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