Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
#1
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Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
Newly single, 35, and uninspired by his job, Jesse Fisher worries that his best days are behind him. But no matter how much he buries his head in a book, life keeps pulling Jesse back. When his favorite college professor invites him to campus to speak at his retirement dinner, Jesse jumps at the chance. He is prepared for the nostalgia of the dining halls and dorm rooms, the parties and poetry seminars; what he doesn’t see coming is Zibby—a beautiful, precocious, classical-music-loving sophomore. Zibby awakens scary, exciting, long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection that Jesse thought he had buried forever.
The multitalented Josh Radnor once again returns to the Sundance Film Festival (HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE won the 2010 dramatic Audience Award at Sundance), wearing three hats. As writer, director, and star of LIBERAL ARTS, Radnor could teach a master class in filmmaking. Given that his engaging costar is Elizabeth Olsen, the master class here is one in chemistry between two exceptional actors.
The multitalented Josh Radnor once again returns to the Sundance Film Festival (HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE won the 2010 dramatic Audience Award at Sundance), wearing three hats. As writer, director, and star of LIBERAL ARTS, Radnor could teach a master class in filmmaking. Given that his engaging costar is Elizabeth Olsen, the master class here is one in chemistry between two exceptional actors.
Great supporting performances by Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, and a nearly unrecognizable Zac Efron. A pleasing film, I give it 4 stars out of 5, and highly recommend it.
#2
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Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
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#3
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
Saw this over the weekend at HIFF. A really great film. It's like a coming-of-age and coming-of-middle-age film combined. Radnor gives a serviceable performance (never quite shaking Ted Mosby), but Elizabeth Olsen is great. Between this and last year's Martha Marcy May Marlene, she has shown some great range for such a young actress, and is one to watch for the future.
Great supporting performances by Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, and a nearly unrecognizable Zac Efron. A pleasing film, I give it 4 stars out of 5, and highly recommend it.
Great supporting performances by Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, and a nearly unrecognizable Zac Efron. A pleasing film, I give it 4 stars out of 5, and highly recommend it.
#4
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
LOL I was going to bump this today too. Agree with everything that was said. I really loved this movie.
#5
Banned by request
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
I love Elizabeth Olsen. Nice to know someone in that family has talent. Any time she is on the screen, this movie works.
I wasn't a huge fan of the idea of some schlubby guy who's uncertain of himself getting the attentions of women of all ages. Didn't feel very realistic.
I wasn't a huge fan of the idea of some schlubby guy who's uncertain of himself getting the attentions of women of all ages. Didn't feel very realistic.
#7
Moderator
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
another indie film that superceded the crap that mainstream Hollywood released this year.
#8
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
I love Elizabeth Olsen. Nice to know someone in that family has talent. Any time she is on the screen, this movie works.
I wasn't a huge fan of the idea of some schlubby guy who's uncertain of himself getting the attentions of women of all ages. Didn't feel very realistic.
I wasn't a huge fan of the idea of some schlubby guy who's uncertain of himself getting the attentions of women of all ages. Didn't feel very realistic.
#9
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
I just finished watching this. After watching Radnor's happythankyoumoreplease earlier in the week and really liking it, I had to seek this one out. I liked it a lot. I think the cast was solid and, as a 35 year old guy myself, the story was something that I really connected with. There were quite a few bits of dialogue that really hit home for me. Radnor's 2 for 2 in my eyes and I look forward to whatever project he takes on next.
#10
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Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
Agreed, this was a great little gem. Radnor often seems to play the same role time and again, but Olsen really shines in this. She really is quite the actress. Like Ed, I connected with this one quite a bit. Great story that really doesn't have the sterotypical "happy" ending, but I loved it all the same.
#11
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: Liberal Arts (2012) - W/D: Josh Radnor, S: Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen
I'm also a fan of this film. I always love to see Liz Olsen....a talented actress.
May have to see this one again.
May have to see this one again.