Post Grad

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 13+

Gilmore Girl stars in upbeat, teen-friendly comedy.

PG-13 2009 89 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

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?

Community Reviews

wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
July 1, 2013
age 12+

Cute chick flick!!

Excellent film starring Alexis Bledel who plays an upbeat, determined young woman named Ryden Malby. At first, she has everything figured out...until she finds out that her friend-turned-enemy had gotten her dream job instead of her. Heart broken and unemployed, she moves back to live with her wacky family until things start to pick up again...if ever. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Adam supports her all the way and develops a few feelings for her while Ryden is attracted to the cute somewhat older guy next door which eventually turns Adam away. Ryden finally realizes what's truly important to her and who makes her happy the most. Yes it;s cliche and the ending is happy but it's still a very cute movie with a great role model, excellent characters (Rydens dad played by Michael Keaton keeps things funny!) and a few things to learn from this story. Language includes many uses of sh*t, one "f" word and few common curse words throughout. Violence is mild and mostly humorous - a cat gets run over, some family arguments and a comical fight when a man is taken to jail. Sexual content includes some kissing, a woman heavily makes out with her neighbor on their first date and he blurts out the phrase "f-me" when he finds out they're being watched by Ryden's family. Some light social drinking. Great messages in this film, perfect for 12 and up if the language isn't a big issue for the child

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) has always had a plan: Do well in school, get into the right college, nab a scholarship, graduate with honors, and get a plum job at the biggest publishing house in Los Angeles. But her dreams are no match for reality, which turns out to be a lot less glamorous. That perfect post-grad job? It went to someone else (her "frenemy," of all people). That apartment down the road from the glitzy office? No go, since she's still unemployed. So she heads home to her parents' ranch house in the Valley, where her dying (though still feisty) grandmother (Carol Burnett) wreaks havoc, as does the rest of her wacky family. Ryden starts losing faith in her dreams, but childhood friend Adam (Zach Gilford) is dependably supportive. But could hunky neighbor (Rodrigo Santoro) drive Adam away for good?

Is It Any Good?

You can sense Bledel straining against the band of those well-worn traveling pants. Here she plays older and (slightly) sexier, if not necessarily wiser. But Ryden is cut from the same cloth as other characters she's played before. Not to say that her performance (or the movie) isn't any good, though. In fact, as Ryden, Bledel is her usual sweet and charming self. It's just not, well, very substantive.

Still, who cares about substance when the movie's so much fun? Bledel and Gilford have a flirty but understated chemistry, and the plot, though predictable, nevertheless unfolds pleasantly. What elevates the film from the usual romcom is the rest of the cast -- specifically Burnett, who reminds us quickly why she's an icon with her perfect delivery, and the uproarious coupling of Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch as Ryden's parents.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love strong female characters

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