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.
- Director:
- Josh Radnor ('Happythankyoumoreplease')
- Writer:
- Josh Radnor
- Cast:
- Josh RadnorElizabeth OlsenZac EfronElizabeth ReaserAllison JanneyRichard JenkinsMichael WestonKate Burton
Reviews & comments
Went straight to my Top Ten
I saw this at the international film festival last year, partially by accident -which was wonderful because it turned out this is possibly my favourite romantic comedy/drama ever. I loved Radnor's Happythankyoumoreplease, and I don't want to compare the two but if you liked that, you'll hopefully love this.
I was set to hate it but ...
I saw the trailer for this and thought it was going to be another fluffy number made for dumb Americans. Was I glad to find out I was wrong. To my surprise I felt involved and absorbed in the story and even had a few laughs ... I actually really, really liked this flick ! Most of the dialogue is very well written and the acting is impeccable with far from...
The New York Times
pressThe harder Mr. Radnor strains to make you love his alter ego, the more resistant you become.
The Guardian
pressDespite 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.
Roger Ebert
pressIt's the kind of film that appeals powerfully to me; to others, maybe not so much.
Los Angeles Times
pressA light and lively comedy of manners about college, literature and a midlife crisis that hits earlier than expected.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA coming-of-middle-age comedy running on somewhat less than a full tank.
Empire Magazine
pressStrong writing, great performances (Olsen is the real deal) and a touching, upbeat tale for the big-brained and big-hearted.
The New York Times
pressThe harder Mr. Radnor strains to make you love his alter ego, the more resistant you become.
The Guardian
pressDespite 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.
Roger Ebert
pressIt's the kind of film that appeals powerfully to me; to others, maybe not so much.
Los Angeles Times
pressA light and lively comedy of manners about college, literature and a midlife crisis that hits earlier than expected.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA coming-of-middle-age comedy running on somewhat less than a full tank.
Empire Magazine
pressStrong writing, great performances (Olsen is the real deal) and a touching, upbeat tale for the big-brained and big-hearted.
Went straight to my Top Ten
I saw this at the international film festival last year, partially by accident -which was wonderful because it turned out this is possibly my favourite romantic comedy/drama ever. I loved Radnor's Happythankyoumoreplease, and I don't want to compare the two but if you liked that, you'll hopefully love this.
I was set to hate it but ...
I saw the trailer for this and thought it was going to be another fluffy number made for dumb Americans. Was I glad to find out I was wrong. To my surprise I felt involved and absorbed in the story and even had a few laughs ... I actually really, really liked this flick ! Most of the dialogue is very well written and the acting is impeccable with far...
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