Liberal Arts
Written, directed and starring Josh Radnor from How I Met Your Mother, this coming-of-age drama follows a mid-thirties bookworm who forms a semi-romantic bond with a 19-year-old college student (Elizabeth Olsen).
Newly single, 35, and uninspired by his job, Jesse (Radnor) worries that his best days are behind him. When his old 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 (Olsen) - a beautiful, precocious, classical-music-loving sophomore. Zibby awakens long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection that Jesse thought he had buried forever.
Less2012Rating: M, contains adult themes97 minsUSA
ComedyDrama
- Director:
- Josh Radnor ('Happythankyoumoreplease')
- Writer:
- Josh Radnor
- Cast:
- Josh RadnorElizabeth OlsenZac EfronElizabeth ReaserAllison JanneyRichard JenkinsMichael WestonKate Burton
Liberal Arts | Reviews
71%115 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
The New York Times
The harder Mr. Radnor strains to make you love his alter ego, the more resistant you become.
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The Guardian
Despite a misjudged ending, Liberal Arts is a decent, heart-on-the-sleeve movie; it pays its audience the compliment of treating us like intelligent people.
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Roger Ebert
It's the kind of film that appeals powerfully to me; to others, maybe not so much.
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Los Angeles Times
A light and lively comedy of manners about college, literature and a midlife crisis that hits earlier than expected.
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Hollywood Reporter
A coming-of-middle-age comedy running on somewhat less than a full tank.
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Empire Magazine
Strong writing, great performances (Olsen is the real deal) and a touching, upbeat tale for the big-brained and big-hearted.
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