If you’ve walked the halls recently in your local movie theater, I’m sure you’ve passed a poster for Post Grad.  It's not flashy, and it doesn't even look like an outstanding film...in fact, it looks a little cheesy.  But, as I've learned, you can't judge a movie by its poster!

Synopsis
Post Grad follows Ryden, a right-out-of-college young woman (Alexis Bledel), who faces the rest of her life and can hardly wait for all her wonderful dreams to come true! But when life doesn’t go the way she’s always imagined, she’s forced to move back in with her eccentric family.

After seeing the trailer, I was hooked! This movie is surprisingly very good. An offbeat comedy with a romantic twist, the film certainly has heart.  

And, what's more, the movie is very well-made.  This is the same production company that produced the very indie-style (500) Days Of Summer, but Post Grad has the quality of a major studio production.

That's One Crazy Family
Alexis Bledel makes a great Ryden, capturing her frustration at life's unexpectedness, and bewilderment at her family's craziness.  The other characters in her family (and that’s what they are, absolute characters!) stand very adequately in their own right, as well.  From a dad who always has a new project (like belt-buckle-making), to a younger brother who likes to lick other kids' heads, to a slightly-offbeat mother who is single-handedly trying to keep the family running, to a grandmother who’s primary goal at this point in her life is planning an elaborate funeral for herself – the Malby family is very much like the crazy family in Little Miss Sunshine.  Only without as much language.

Sure, there is some language (Mr. Malby has a bit of a foul mouth, taking The Lord's name in vain a few times), and there are surely some scenes that make the film PG-13-worthy.  There is also one blatant "joke" at Christianity's expense, dealing with a commercial being shot about a guacamole-maker, and "The Passion of the Christ".  While much of the film is laugh-out-loud funny, this line is not.  I did cringe a couple times, but, on the whole, it is MUCH cleaner than Little Miss Sunshine, without sacrificing one bit of quality or humor.

Well-rounded Cast of Characters
Focusing in on one of the key actors, I have to say that Jane Lynch is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses – not because of the wonderful projects she has been associated with, but the outstanding quality of her acting.  Taking on the role of Carmella, Lynch brings her distinctive uniqueness, while at the same time molding herself into Carmella’s identity.  She says of the role, "I hope I did a dead-on impersonation of my own sister, who's one of those harried mothers who's always fixing things.  She just can't help herself."

Rounding out the very well-cast cast of characters, Zach Gilford and Rodrigo Santoro add romance, dilemma, and even more heart to the film! ( May I just say, isn’t Zach Gilford CUTE?!?)

I laughed really hard.  I teared up.  I hoped Ryden would make the right choices.  I went on the adventure with her.  I rooted for her family, much like their mantra: "We are the Malbys!"  Simply put, I really enjoyed this movie.  And, I will definitely see it again.

Rating
Post Grad is rated PG-13 for sexual situations and brief strong language.

Courtesy of a national publicist, Sarah attended a promotional screening of Post Grad.

Sarah Pardoe is a teen actress, singer, writer and director pursuing her career in California. She is also a teen book reviewer/host for Teenfaze.com, a social networking site.