Liberal Arts (2012) User Reviews (114)

That's how he should have met your Mother.

[quitwhileyouareahead · 8/10 · 9 April 2013]

First of all, I have to say, Josh plays himself. At least it is the same Josh that is in "How I met your Mother" and his other great effort Happythankyoumoreplease. Normally that would be a criticism,but he is so likable and so watchable you don't care. Sort of like James Stewart. Also, I guessed that he wrote it himself as the dialogue and the emotions (or lack of) were very realistic. The only thing that wasn't believable about Elizabeth was her age as they probably should have made her character a little older. Otherwise, she was outstanding and her personality was seductive giving credibility to his infatuation with her. Richard Jenkins was great as usual and Zac offered some oddball humor. I loved the movie and all the characters which is a nice change with some of the depressing movies out there.

Oh, and watch the deleted scenes. I'm not going to argue for their inclusion but they are enjoyable.

Great movie for college students and grads

[Chocolate_Swan · 8/10 · 7 June 2012]

*This review was previously submitted as an assignment in my film class, which is the reason for its formality and structure.*

"Liberal Arts," written and directed by Josh Radnor, deals with the often-crushing reality of post-college life and the pedestal on which the seemingly idyllic college years are placed. Though the film often runs the risk of becoming an intellectually preachy vanity piece, its genuinely smart writing and relentlessly likable cast elevates it to an honest, enjoyable study of college and its aftermath.

Radnor stars as 35-year-old Jesse, a college recruiter with an unmarketable English/history degree who is nostalgic for his own days at a picturesque Ohio university. When an old professor (Richard Jenkins) invites him back to campus for his retirement dinner, Jesse finds himself drawn to smart, peppy student Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen), despite his discomfort at the age difference between them. While exploring their latent relationship at his alma mater, Jesse encounters his most influential former professor (Allison Janney), a clinically depressed student (John Magaro), and some realizations about his own aims in life.

Given the subject matter and setting, it's expected that the characters will pride themselves on their intellect and sophistication, and this gives way to some contrived, artsy dialogue, such as a letter montage (never easy to pull off) between Jesse and Zibby in which they wax poetic about classical music, which sounds smart in writing but comes off as unconvincing and pretentious when spoken, accompanied heavy-handedly by poignant New York scenery. However, the witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue usually keeps the film and characters from feeling like they take themselves too seriously, making determinedly highbrow scenes like this clash uncomfortably with the generally self-aware tone.

Radnor writes his character into enough glamorous situations (all the significant female characters sleep with him or try to at some point) and makes him sound over-educated enough that the film could have easily felt like a shameless vanity piece, but he plays Jesse so affably that there's not much room to mind. It's quite believable that his character would attract even young girls, with his naturally youthful looks and self-deprecating charm. Olsen does well with an even more challenging character; Zibby comes dangerously close to the "manic pixie dream girl" archetype of indies, but Olsen plays her with a sweet innocence that never feels fake and, when called on for dramatic moments, she is every bit a real college girl – wounded, vulnerable, and ultimately clueless about where she's going in life. Zac Efron flits in and out as a wisdom-dispensing stoner who may or may not be a figment of Jesse's imagination, offering some of the best laughs in the film.

Arguably the best performances, though, are given by Jenkins and Magaro. Jenkins plays the professor every student wants; like the film itself, he doesn't take himself too seriously but is utterly devoted to the school. He delivers some of the best acting in the film when he pleads for his job back mere days after retiring. Magaro is strangely touching as a college student perhaps closer to the norm than the Zibbies of the world: miserable in school, there solely to please his family, and constantly on the brink of a mental breakdown. In his limited screen time, he creates an oddly heart-winning character despite his sullen demeanor.

"Liberal Arts" is an enjoyable, cleverly written film that should strike a note with college students current and former. The witty writing and earnest cast make its few pretentious missteps easy to brush off affectionately.

Entertaining, humorous, and charming.

[joshua-halstead · 8/10 · 1 January 2013]

These days it is very rare to find a well rounded film with a good moral. While Josh Radnor is know for his raunchy sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," he has many hidden talents that the show does not utilize. As a writer, director, and actor he is superb, and he brings a refreshing change of pace to not only the drama industry, but the film industry in general. From the opening sequence to the credits the film is thoroughly entertaining, and intelligent. Elizabeth Olsen was enthusiastic and energetic, just as Zibby should have been portrayed. Zac Efron was surprisingly humorous, and his slightly off-key character adds a certain lightness to such a dramatic film. Every cast member was perfectly cast, the script is humor, entertaining, and charming. The most astonishing aspect of the film was the use of a classical soundtrack, a general push toward fine arts, great classic literature references, and the idea presented that love and music join us all together. No matter what your particular tastes in film in I urge you to take the time and watch 'Liberal Arts,' you will not be sorry.

A romantic take on the collegiate experience

[JohnDeSando · 1 October 2012]

"And binding with briars my joys and desires." William Blake, from Songs of Experience

Liberal Arts is a small, endearing film about idealism, the reality of life, the complicated nature of aging, and the beauty of experience. The briars play a part, but mostly it's about the romanticism of academia versus the reality of growing old. That's quite a bit for 97 minutes, but writer/director Josh Radnor does an admirable job setting straight the hopes that a superior education like his at Kenyon College can foster.

This lyrical film, like the simple poem that opens this review, makes no grand demands as it juxtaposes the beauty of undergraduate reading and writing with the reality of love not quite mature enough and maturity not ready enough. New York City college admissions counselor Jesse (Josh Radnor) at 35 returns to his college to visit a retiring professor, Peter (Richard Jenkins), and falls for a 19 year old coed, Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). Radnor's alma mater, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, is the beautiful location although not identified.

The complications may be obvious given the differences in their ages, but the issues are spot on—and because I lived that plot as a youngish college administrator I congratulate Radnor for neither over-romanticizing nor condemning youthful idealism and the encroachments of "life," described as "happening" after graduation and mitigating the romanticism a college English major fosters. That the pop cult ascendance of the Vampire Trilogy may trump the lofty literature of college does not subvert the notion that everything is good given the right place and time.

The sweetness of the film reaffirms Mr. Radnor as a dreamer of quality, a thinker who confirms life's ambiguities and its promise to those who "say yes" to everything. Again, Blake in Songs of Innocence confirms the efficacy of positive thinking, in this case of feeling the godhead's presence:

He doth give his joy to all;/ He becomes an infant small;/ He becomes a man of woe; / He doth feel the sorrow too.

"It's not Tolstoy, but it's not television, and it makes me happy," Zibby says about reading a vampire trilogy. The same could be said of this simple romance underpinned by Blake's realistic optimism.

Charm and Wonderful Acting Make for a Worthwhile Watch

[salbelmondo-570-512867 · 7/10 · 6 January 2013]

The hyphenate that is this Josh Radnor guy presents a somewhat thin but ultimately rewarding film with LIBERAL ARTS. The story is a charming one—jaded New Yorker makes an excursion back to his alma mater in Ohio and meets a much younger and gorgeous kindred spirit who forces him to self-reflect. But unfortunately, it's also a story that provides enough material for an 80 minute film which Radnor stretches out to around 97 minutes. Thus, some of the film drags a bit. Luckily, Radnor casts actors with incredible talent who breathe life into the film when it begins to deflate.

Elizabeth Olsen, specifically, is an ace. In a character reversal from her breakthrough in MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, she is beautiful and funny, effortlessly natural. The scenes featuring her make the film. Watching her this early in her career and contemplating just how much potential she has and what she'll be able to do with it is exciting for any movie lover. Richard Jenkins is wonderful as always, as is Allison Janney. Even Zac Efron, making a humorous cameo appearance, helps liven things up a bit. The bond shared between Radnor's character and a depressed, anti-social undergrad, played by John Magaro, is particularly sincere.

The film seems to be a meditative-lite work. It's brooding and thoughtful, but it's not something that will permeate your thoughts or stick with you days after watching. But it isn't supposed to be. (At least I don't think so.) The film is probably significantly more appealing to a select group of people—mainly those with a "liberal arts" background, or those able to register all of the literary references—but that is not to say the film is only for some. The pleasant romantic-comedy-ish-drama story and the aforementioned acting is enough to create a film anyone can enjoy if they try. If the viewer tries to get past the somewhat pretentious collegiate talk, tries to hold on for the somewhat slow moments, tries to watch the film as a light and entertaining piece to pass 90-something minutes, it's highly recommended. Seek it out.

A film about maturity and growing up and the beauty of words and music.

[ffuuut · 7/10 · 19 December 2012]

A very watchable independent rom-com that delves deeper than the usual Hollywood studio version. A film about maturity and growing up and the beauty of words and music.

I particularly liked the intelligence and wit of the script, the use of Classical music and what it can do to you and the highlighting of the difference in location from bustling grey New York to the beautiful quiet greenery of Ohio.

I did find that the main character, written, directed and portrayed by Josh Radnor was too perfect. He was intelligent, sensitive, funny, moralistic and empathetic all rolled up in this cute little package. However, if he had not written it for himself it may not have annoyed me as much. I also found Olsen as the wise beyond her years 19 year old to be rather annoying at certain points, but take out those slightly annoying characteristics, some predictable elements and a pretty awful sub-plot involving Zac Efron and the screenplays words and meaning are too enjoyable to let those things spoil it for you.

Oh and Allison Janney and Richard Jenkins steal every scene they are in.

"nobody thinks they're adult, it's the worlds darkest secret" or words to that affect...

Radnor Relives His College Days with a Lightweight, Literate Romantic Dramedy

[EUyeshima · 6/10 · 24 November 2012]

This lightweight 2012 dramedy marks the sophomore effort of screenwriter/director Josh Radnor who is better known as being part of the ensemble of the long-running CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother". Similar to another directorial venture from an actor with TV roots, Zach Braff's "Garden State", it's a charming enough effort, quite literate but ultimately inconsequential. He cast himself as Jesse Fisher, a 35- year-old admissions counselor who leaves New York to visit his bucolic alma mater in Ohio to attend the retirement party for Peter Hoberg, one of his favorite professors. In a decidedly nostalgic mood, Jesse strikes up a platonic relationship with Zibby, a 19-year-old sophomore who appreciates classical music, loves her improv class, and unapologetically enjoys vampire romance novels. Radnor deftly wraps his story in the romance of academia and cultural discernment at the same time showing his character's discontent about growing old without fulfilling the dreams he held in his youth on the same campus.

Radnor must think Jesse's discontent is endemic since he also shows Hoberg grappling with post-retirement life as well as the harsh cynicism of Judith Fairfield, a Romantics professor who reveals herself as a cougar holding no sentiment about former students who worshipped her in the classroom. There's also sad-eyed Dean, a suicidal student whom Jesse sees as a kindred spirit, and a new-age eccentric named Nat who pops up now and then to tell Jesse to go with the flow. Meanwhile, the courtship between Jesse and Zibby is handled with chaste affection until they face the inevitable moment when they face what their relationship is about. Radnor is amiable as the sometimes condescending Jesse, but his puppyish manner doesn't leave an indelible impression. He got lucky with the superb actors he was able to secure. Richard Jenkins ("The Visitor") plays Hoberg with fierce pride and vulnerability, expertly handling a scene where the humiliated professor asks for his job back. As Fairfield, Allison Janney ("The Help") lends her sharp-tongued brand of steely intelligence to a character type we have seen from her many times.

Once again, Elizabeth Olsen shows how she is shaping a fine career in small indie films - a standout in "Martha Marcy May Marlene", one of the few redeeming features of "Peace, Love and Misunderstanding" and now this assured turn as an open-minded, precocious coed who begins to see Jesse as the soulmate who could transcend their significant age difference. She brings a smart, zestful quality that helps the film glide over its potentially more unsavory moments. John Magaro plays Dean close to the vest since the part appears ill-defined, while Zac Efron is merely distracting playing strictly against type as Nat. Playing what amounts to a convenient plot device, Elizabeth Reaser ("Sweet Land") has a few brief scenes as an age-appropriate bookstore clerk back in New York. Cinematographer Seamus Tierney filmed Radnor's story on the campus of the actor's actual alma mater, Kenyon College, where Janney also graduated. It's a pretty place that will make you become wistful about your own college days.

Chix Chat on Film Review: Grow up already.

[EmmaDinkins · 7/10 · 23 April 2012]

My expectation for this film was a romantic comedy, and it delivered on the romance, but especially on the comedy. The tone throughout was very witty, and there was a romance with New York, with music, and almost everyone. This turned out to be the second coming of age tale I happened to catch at the 2012 DIFF, fortunately this one was much more light-hearted than the first. Liberal Arts delves into the life of Jesse Fisher (Josh Radnor), who has just broken up with his girlfriend and is invited back to his old alma mater by a retiring favored professor. This gives Jesse time away from his current existence and in the process he gains some new perspective on life in general. Returning to the university has Jesse overjoyed because some of his happiest memories were during his time there and during this time he meets Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen), Nat (Zac Efron) and Dean (John Magaro). I found the dynamic between Jesse and Zibby to be fun and reenergizing, because although she is considerably younger than Jesse, she has some simple truths that she imparts on him that he needs, specifically that some things are done just because they make you happy. Zibby is like most college students, not nearly as smart as she thinks, but she brings out some things in Jesse that he had lost or forgotten. The warmth between Jesse and Zibby was only balanced out by the bleakness of aging from the perspective of Jesse's favorite instructor Judith Fairfield (Allison Janney), who had at least one more profound lesson to impart, and the professor who invited him back, Peter Hoberg (Richard Jenkins). Nat was Yoda, and that's as much as I'll say about that. Jesse really did not have a growth spurt until after he upped his acquaintance with Dean. Dean was the antithesis of Zibby, and was very convincingly in a struggle that to the outside it would seem there should be no struggle at all. The time with Jesse is what I believe made Jesse understand what it is to truly be adult about things. This film like most that are character driven was nice, funny and insightful, but for me it did not require the big screen. Yes there was an opening chase scene, but this could have been a movie of the week on the small screen. I could and possibly would watch it again, and did enjoy it so I give it an amber light.

Psychologically entertaining with a first-rate screenplay

[SteveMierzejewski · 9/10 · 16 December 2012]

I see this movie as a look at life through the perspectives of different generations. Aging may bring wisdom, (well, at least to some) but it also brings a whole new array of problems; problems that cannot be understood by those outside of a highly specific age range. There may be some communication between generations. We can learn from both those who have gone before us and those younger than us, but this learning is more at the intellectual than emotional level. Thirty-five-year-old Jesse (Josh Radnor) is introduced to classical music by 19-year-old Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen) but their perspectives on life challenge their chances to unite in a more personal way.

The film, in some ways, is like the Canterbury Tales (which is mentioned in the movie), only instead of traveling to a city while relating different tales, the characters are traveling through life with different perspectives. We have youthful optimism and idealism, age with its cynicism and bitterness, and middle-age with its realism. There are also perspectives from mysticism and despair. This is more of a psychological movie than an action movie. Although I never lost interest in the story, I am well-aware that this is not what most younger moviegoers are looking for and it is they who will be disappointed in this film. So be it. When today's hottest action films are replaced by those which have better special effects, films like Liberal Arts will endure because they will stand on their own merits, outside of time.

I found the acting good and the screenplay excellent. The interaction between the characters was believable. I cannot imagine anyone other than the writer, Josh Radnor, playing the main role. He plays the part of a man trapped by middle-aged angst to perfection. However, this is not simply a dry intellectual drama. There is a good deal of humor, some great lines, but it is humor that is witty more than physical.

As a classical music fan myself, I liked seeing Jesse discover this genre. I also liked the scene where Jesse tries to bridge the generation gap mathematically, but I can't say more about that here. In short, this is an enjoyable movie, but those looking for goofball comedies or bloody fight scenes should go onto something else. Don't worry. This film will still be around for you to discover when you are ready for it.

Good despite the lead

[PrestF4 · 6/10 · 10 July 2014]

There were a lot of things to like about "Liberal Arts". The problem with this film is the same problem that Radnor's more famous series "HIMYM" suffered from. Radnor is the main character. Radnor is not a compelling character. He's just a whiny malcontent. In "HIMYM" he is constantly whining about not being married. Here he is whining about not being young. As in the series, he is surrounded by a capable cast of interesting and compelling characters. Elizabeth Olsen makes the most of a limited part. She leaves you wanting to know more. Richard Jenkins creates a compelling storyline that goes unfinished. I'm not sure I wanted to see more of Zac Efron or Allison Janney, but they both were excellent and entertaining making the most of their supporting roles. At the end of it all I wanted the story to revert back to their stories. Instead we are stuck with Radnor, and I just couldn't care less.

Boring and Contrived

[dreagan110 · 3/10 · 21 October 2012]

Liberal Arts comes out of the gate with a funny enough opening scene. Then follows it up with 90 minutes of irritating, contrived garbage.

How this film has garnered any kind of positive buzz or praise is beyond me. It is as bad a film as I've ever seen - and given its somewhat modest goal of being a low key character study, the failure is intensified.

This is a film that will live or die on the depth of it's characters and the emotional engagement they prompt from the audience. Liberal Arts has some of the most hollow characters I've ever seen in a movie of it's kind. Our hero is boring and devoid of charisma. We're literally just told he's likable. The love interest is the typical geek fantasy - endlessly plucky, energetic, free thinking and just what the doctor ordered to awaken the soul of the protagonist. In other words, fake. The various college kids that inexplicably take a liking to the hero are just sketches of people - there to serve a purpose, but without any hint of a soul.

Things happen in the plot, of course - but you won't care. The movie goes through various motions and is surrounded by music and camera moves. But none of it matters a bit, because you won't care about the characters. You may as well try and enjoy sock puppet theater for its emotional heft.

Save the time and money. See something else.

Surprisingly great...

[meinefacebookspamadresse · 9/10 · 25 June 2013]

I am not the type of guy who would watch this movie. In fact, I don't even really know why I did. It was just a tough day and I didn't want to watch a movie that was in the triple digit minutes, so I went with this one. Usually I watch action movies, or political dramas. I don't like to read books or romantic movies, even less I like Arts, hence there is nothing that would make me appreciate it, I thought. But I was wrong. This movie is surprisingly great. I caught myself laughing and thinking about life. It was just a beautiful piece of art. A piece of art even I appreciate. On top I never write reviews, but this was just extraordinary.

Elizabeth Olsen proves she's not a one hit wonder

[estebangonzalez10 · 6/10 · 23 December 2012]

¨I was English... with a minor in history. Just to make sure I was fully unemployable.¨

Liberal Arts is Josh Radnor's (How I Met Your Mother) second film as a director following his 2010 film Happythankyoumoreplease in which he also wrote the screenplay and starred in. Josh Radnor is a very funny actor, but in this film he takes a bit more of a dramatic approach. I really prefer him in the funny role, although he didn't do a bad job here. He was just one of those characters who likes to over think things sometimes and have intellectual dialogues with his friends. He also seems to have that puppy face that makes the viewer want to feel sorry for him. I really didn't enjoy his character as much as I did Elizabeth Olsen's. Olsen, who was brilliant in Martha Marcy May Marlene, plays a very likable character here as a sophomore student in a Liberal Arts college. She seems very intellectual and really played her part perfectly. Liberal Arts is one of those films that depends almost entirely on the screenplay and the chemistry between the actors. It was a sort of nostalgic film with some romantic moments. I thought the film was a bit too talkative and tried a little too hard to make the characters overly intellectual. Some dialogues seemed a bit forced to me, but I won't complain because I was entertained by Elizabeth Olsen's performance. This was a very divisive film for critics, some tended to hate it while others enjoyed the intellectual side of it. I on the other hand found it pleasing enough to watch, but not as enjoyable to recommend for all viewers. See this if you are a fan of the actors or enjoy intellectual romantic dramas.

Jesse (Josh Radnor) is a former English student who had high dreams of becoming a romantic poet, but has had to settle for a job in college admissions which he doesn't really enjoy. He's in his mid 30's, and when he receives a call from Prof. Peter Hoberg (Richard Jenkins), his former English college professor, about visiting his former college for his retirement dinner he decides to go visit his alma matter. Once there, in Ohio, he meets with his Professor with whom he has remained close friends and meets one of the students there named Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). He immediately feels a connection with her as they discuss several issues which remind him of his college days as a student. He keeps in touch with her through old fashioned letters when he goes back to his hometown. Both begin to feel an emotional connection, but Jesse feels like he is too old for her. After a few months Zibby asks him to visit him again and he does. Once they are together he begins to feel more attracted to her, but at the same time he feels weird because of the age difference. The film moves from here as the two deal with their feelings for each other, while there are some other minor side stories with some secondary characters.

The film works as sort of a psychological study between two very different characters. One is a 35 year old who is unsatisfied with what he has achieved in his life, while the other one is a young student full of hope for the bright future ahead of her. Zibby sees in Jesse that 35 year old intellectual with whom she can have serious conversations about life and opera music, while Jesse is reminded of his young former self when he speaks to her. Both share great chemistry, but you can also feel the tension and weirdness that Jesse feels each time he has to meet with her in public. I really enjoyed the first half of this film, but was a little disappointed with the resolution. I still enjoyed the film in the most part and had a good time. Richard Jenkins is always great in his secondary roles, although here he plays a more serious and depressive role, while Zach Efron has a couple of very funny scenes here as well. The film might be worth a rental for some, but don't get your hopes up this is an average film after all.

http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/

Doesn't quite hit the mark

[phd_travel · 4/10 · 4 August 2013]

I always want to give indie movies with a good cast a chance but I was disappointed with this one. Josh Radnor plays a 35 year old who visits his old college and falls for a student.

Josh Radnor has more or less the same expression on his face through the whole movie and can't quite pull off the complexities of the character he has written. Elisabeth Olsen has a charming and winning persona. The romance starts of interesting with the letters on classical music but when they meet up again the encounters feel forced and fall flat. The criticism of Twilight seems a bit petty. The unique way they bonded ends in a predictable way.

The encounter with Alison Janney is quite amusing at first but then the dialog seems to go on too long their last scene. When he finally bonds with the age appropriate Elisabeth Reaser's character it doesn't feel like a feel good conclusion because you don't feel for her character.

Can you go home again?

[john32935 · 7/10 · 20 January 2015]

Going for the triple play, writer-director-lead actor Josh Radnor concocts a sweet story of aging and the attempt to recapture youth. But as the lead character learns, and as anyone who has ever gone back to their college campus years after graduation knows, you realize your formerly special place and the people there have moved on without you. Attempts to recapture old glories generally fail, but that does not mean new glories do not await.

The supporting cast is excellent. The story has enough twists and avoids (most) clichés. And while the dramatic tension is only mid-range, the movie takes the viewer on a pleasant ride with just a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. Lastly, the dialog is realistic and just a wee bit witty.

Pretty good

[Red_Identity · 15 January 2013]

There's one reason I decided to see this film, and that's Elizabeth Olsen. Her performance in the 2011 film Martha Marcy May Marlene made me a huge fan. It was a portrayal that showed so much talent. She also gave one of the most fantastic portrayals of undeniable fear in the less successful Silent House. So really, I wanted to see Olsen in a different light, in something that wasn't as dark as those films.

The first act of Liberal Arts was really rough. A lot of it wasn't hitting correctly, it just felt so awkward and false. It all felt too "written", the jokes and the dialogue didn't come across all that sincere. But there was still something oddly likable about the characters, so I kept with it. Good thing I did, because I actually liked it overall. It's certainly nothing memorable and it surely has several script flaws, but again, there was something so likable about it all. One problem is Josh Radnor. I think that overall this was a success, and like I said, his directing and writing, while nothing amazing, did the job. But, I never bought his performance here. There's nothing outright bad about it, but to my surprise, there's no real charisma to the way he plays Jesse. He's either too dull or he comes across with fake earnestness one too many times.

But alas, what really helps the film is the ensemble cast, all pretty great. Jenkins is, well, Jenkins (a compliment) and Zac Efron a blast, showing me that perhaps he has real acting talent. John Magaro's character could have come across like a total failure, but, I bought it and he was effective. But alas, not to be a fanboy or anything, but what Radnor lacks in screen presence Elizabeth Olsen makes up for. You can't take your eyes off her, the way she delivers lines and how she comes across like someone who has been doing this for countless of years. There's a unique quality to her that makes her believable even without having to do much. I have only seen three performances from her, but already she's one of the people I will be following most closely in terms of careers. Let's hope she has a successful one.

Interesting take on life

[FlickChick82 · 7/10 · 23 November 2014]

Great movie, it's a simple story, but aren't those usually the best. I totally got and dig Josh Radnor's philosophy presented here. It's so relatable. Best line in the entire movie is when one guy tells the other "none of us feels like an adult, it's the world's dirty little secret...". It's about being disappointed about where you are in life compared to one's youthful expectations, when one is still at college having this romantic, naive and somewhat illusional perception of life, what it is, what it could become and then as the movie is about to end, coming to terms with where one is right now and embracing it. I loved the scenes where the main character listens to classical music with headphones on his ears, walking down the streets of New York. Finally a fresh use of the New York scenery. Do see it, because it's a gem between so many mediocre movies that get made these days.

Better than most movies I've seen lately

[FeatherlessBiped · 7/10 · 29 December 2012]

The missus and I decided to rent _Liberal Arts_ for the same reason many others probably did - because it starred (and was written by) Josh Radnor, the guy who plays Ted on "How I Met Your Mother". His character in _Liberal Arts_ was similar to Ted: a pretty smart but not always sensible guy who tends to let his heart rule his head and gets pulled in too many potentially romantic directions.

You can view this movie as Josh Radnor's fantasy of what it would be like to have a college cutie aggressively pursue him at his somewhat advanced age. That's only a little off-putting, unlike, say, Steve Martin's "Shopgirl", in which he had a beautiful early 20-something fawning ridiculously over his late-middle-aged self.

_Liberal Arts_ includes some reliable mainstream character types (the aging and regretful professor! the lonely bookstore gal!) along with enough quirky ones to spice up the mixture. The college-roommate scenes were familiar and rang true.

This isn't great art, but it's head and shoulders above much of what passes for entertainment these days. (I just saw _This is 40_, and compared to that mess, _Liberal Arts_ is practically _Citizen Kane_.)

Improvement For Radnor...Not Great But Has Its Moments

[Willie-12 · 7/10 · 16 November 2012]

I was a bit rough on Josh Radnor in my review for his first film, Happythankyoumoreplease. Now, I meant every word I wrote in that review. But I was a bit harsh. And I ended that review with this statement: "Hopefully what we have here with HTMP, is a first time director/screenwriter who is learning as he goes, and ironing out the kinks. If that is the case, then perhaps it has done some good for Radnor as he sharpens up his skills as a movie maker. If that's not the case here, then Radnor better not quit his day job anytime soon." So I guess the question is, does Liberal Arts make the case that Radnor's first film has helped him and made him a better filmmaker, or should he stick to his day job (which, at this point would be acting, and more specifically acting on How I Met Your Mother). Well, I think the jury is still out on that one. But I can say this, Liberal Arts is definitely an improvement for Radnor. It's not great, but it has its moments. And one of the best decisions that he made here had to do with the casting. I know the role of Professor Peter Hoberg was written specifically for Richard Jenkins, and that's the second best decision that Radnor made here. Jenkins is one of the best character actors out there today. And to be honest with you, I think he should be cast in the lead more often...something that 2007's The Visitor is a graphic illustration of. He always gives his roles everything, and because of that, he's very convincing as his character in Arts. And the best decision that Radnor made here was to cast (or at least to listen to his publicist who suggested he go with Olson) Elizabeth Olson as Zibby. Olson has quickly become one of the best actresses in Hollywood. Her performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene was not just one of the best acting jobs from 2011. It's some of the best acting I've ever seen. And she is the best part of this movie. No matter how many times I felt like Arts was beginning to stray and feel somewhat manipulated and manufactured (and there were multiple moments where that happened), Olson consistently brought the film back with her genuine, and somewhat heartbreaking performance. It was very hard not to feel sorry for her in the scene where Radnor's Jesse Fisher brutally, and yet rightfully rips her heart out by refusing her invitation to stay the night in her dorm room. Now, it should be noted that some of HTMP's tarnishes were evident in Arts. Radnor still seems to struggle with when and when not to develop certain sub-plots (i.e. the scenes with Dean), transitioning from scene to scene, making scenes believable, and making dialogue seem authentic. But thankfully here, his cast saves him. And even when the film began to stray into mild absurdness (like Zac Efron's bizarre, almost Bagger Vance-like character, or Jesse's interactions with his old Literature professor), it still didn't derail the film completely. And I will say this: When it comes to the conclusion, Radnor nailed it here. Let's face it, a conclusion can make or break any film. Fortunately, in Arts, it made it. And that, along with the cast, probably saved this film from being mediocre. So has Radnor improved as a filmmaker? Definitely. Can he get better? Definitely. And Liberal Arts has made me believe in him. I actually am looking forward to his next screen writing and directing endeavor, whatever that may be. After all, if he makes the leaps that he made from HTMP to Arts, then his next film may just be the "one" that propels him to the next level as a filmmaker.

Liberal Arts - A+

[cattjones · 9/10 · 21 April 2012]

I am going to start out by saying that I loved this film. I think that Josh Radnor did an excellent job writing, directing and starring in this film. The film conveyed that no matter how old you get, you still have more growing to do. The film also demonstrated the hustle and bustle of city life and the calm, serene climate of the country. It also took me back to my years in college and how intense that part of your life really is and the influence that it has on you. There is always one or two instructors that makes an impression on you in college and for Jesse (Josh Radnor) it was Professor Judith Fairfield (Allison Janney) and Professor Peter Hoberg (Richard Jenkins). Judith was feisty and deliberate and had a no-holds-barred kind of attitude, while Peter was struggling with his decision-making skills. (By the way, my favorite professor was Dr. Spradley who taught me all about technical writing). The relationship that develops between Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen) and Jesse is educational in the fact that they both have something to learn from the other. I think that the lessons that they learned maybe even educated the audience a little (I know that is how I felt). The relationship between Jesse and Dean (John Magaro) was a heart-tugging event. Dean kind of reminded me of Will in Good Will Hunting. There are people in this world that are naturally talented in certain things and that is the one thing that they want to do the least. The only character that seemed to have everything pretty much figured out was Nat (Zac Efron). Out of all the characters in this film, I liked him the most. He was quirky, funny and surprisingly insightful. I remember thinking that as strange as he was; I could see myself hanging out with him. Every time he would appear on screen you just knew that he was going to put a smile on your face. I still have a couple of films to see during this film festival, but I have to say that so far this one is my favorite. I hope that when this film comes out to the general public that it does really well. Josh should be very proud of himself for putting together such an engaging piece of work. Pure entertainment! I am giving this film and A+ and a glaring green light.

Liberal Arts — Life is full of mistakes, what can we do about it?

[AvidClimber · 6/10 · 24 February 2013]

Liberal Arts is about messing up. You make mistakes, you learn from them, and you move on. A lot of things happen in that script that people don't want to. They try to fix their situation, but it doesn't work. They go after their desire, and grab the wrong end of the stick or it turns out it's not what they wanted.

The main character keeps on acting like a clueless chump, until the very end. It's only the that he sorts of start to get it. As you see him evolve throughout the flick, you can't help but cringe at his mistakes.

The movie itself has the incoherence of life, which makes sense. However, the bad part is that it's not done on purpose, including a few incoherence at the beginning. If you get over them, you can probably appreciate the rest of the script. Had I to guess, I'd say all the mistakes of this film lie at the feet of the fact that Josh Radnor, as well as starring is also the writer and the director. By playing that many important roles, each one gets slightly diluted and ends up not being up to par. It takes quite a veteran or a genius to pull that off.

Elizabeth Olsen is as sweet as can be, and plays her role with strong emotions. The other actors pretty much bag theirs just right. The weakest performer is probably Radnor. He gives a good performance, but nothing more.

The whole film is an interesting point of view. I just wish it was better made.

Most Pretentious Movie Ever Made!

[uwa · 1/10 · 28 May 2013]

Somebody must help Josh Radnor in all departments of film making. He doesn't know even the first thing about writing a movie. I mean who does even give him budget to write or direct a movie? if he does these kind of movies because of How I Met Your Mother, I am no longer watching that show.

He clearly wants whole world to know that he is actually Ted, nothing more. This movie is a How I Met Your Mother spin off(he even wears the same shirt for god sake) but no so funny or clever or in anyway romantic. I think Josh Radnor watched Garden State and loved it, tried to do something like that but his own voice was more important to him than the movie. I think he records his own voice during the day and he listens to while he goes to sleep.

İf you like watching people saying that they read books or you can not get enough Ted, this is your movie. Otherwise just burn the damn thing.

Not a character to hate!

[pringlehyd-44288 · 10/10 · 10 March 2020]

I thought I was in for another cliche romance, but oh boy I was wrong. The film captures every element so subtly and you will not feel like that a thought is being imposed on you. How there is a difference in opinion and how morality may be different for everyone. Loved the way how it also integrated mental illness and people of different states of mind.

Strange and mixed feeling

[hys-420189749 · 7/10 · 17 September 2014]

I've got a very strange feeling about it. It's ... Somehow I just cannot write it down with exact words. So pure the love is. And so vulnerable it is as well. For the enthusiasm for classical literature and music, they fall in love;and they finally broke up for it. Well, it seems they just hold different opinion about Vampire books and sex, but that traces back to the traditional view of things. Dream is dream after all. It gave me a nice dream and broke it in the end, without a single warning. All of that happened so fast and in one blink they suddenly broke up and the movie ended. I just cannot stand this. For the nice dream, it's "7", but for the cruel ending, I'd cut it a little bit.

Lame

[turncapp-525-134756 · 1/10 · 13 November 2012]

Awful. A picture punctuated by rehashed quotes and profound statements.

I went to Kenyon.

When your in school, especially a small 'thinkers' camp; basically everyone thinks he or she is the center of the universe and that no one has ever done or thought anything prior to their existence.

Then, the 'Beast in the Jungle' is set loose in the 'real' world.

So what? My English degree got me jobs driving a fork lift, stuffing envelopes and cleaning stalls. At least the latter taught me something important: the world is not waiting on anyone.

An attempt to be intellectual? More like an attempt to break into mainstream pictures.

And it's not even borderline accurate.

A college recruiter can not afford to live in Manhattan. It took me ten years to get there and I am never going back.

Why? Spend half of your income on a shoe box apartment and be swamped by the disciples of 'Sex and the City'? It does not seem worth the effort.

Don't waste your time on this 'Realistic' yet hopelessly 'Romantic' nonsense.

Its not Literature, Cinema or Art.