Plot: What’s it about?
Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) has just graduated from college, but he has her entire life planned out. She has worked on this plan since grade school, earning great grades in high school, then holding up her academic performance through college. Now she is ready to put the final step of the plan into motion, landing a job at the publishing house of her dreams. She even has an interview, not to mention an inside connection, so the plan seems foolproof. But then…the plan fails. The job goes to someone else and now Ryden is forced to move back in with her parents. What should have been a time of celebration is now one of disappointment and uncertainty. As she faces life without her plan, will Ryden be able to pick up the pieces and move on, or will she always be held back by that plan?
Post Grad never hurt anyone. The film plays it safe and vanilla, no surprises or unexpected twists to throw off the audience. Yes, this is one bland cinematic ride. As cute as Alexis Bledel is, she is unable to command the screen like a lead should, while the rest of the cast is pushed into too little presence. If Michael Keaton or Jane Lynch were given more screen time, perhaps this could have been better, but that doesn’t happen. Bledel tries, but she is better suited for a supporting role, as she falters when it comes to carrying the picture. You could blame the writers, who deliver a premise that is totally paint by numbers to the point the entire plot is given on the case’s back artwork. Post Grad is fine as far as these bland comedies go, but there are so many better choices out there, so leave this one alone.
Video: How does it look?
Post Grad is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The movie might be bland overall, but at least it is easy on the eyes. Not a breathtaking transfer, but a more than solid one. The visuals here looks clean and crisp, a nice upgrade over the standard DVD release. The depth might not dazzle, but this is a much clearer image than the DVD, without question. No concerns over contrast or color whatsoever, leaving us a great looking visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
This DTS HD 5.1 option won’t make you stand up and take notice, but it handles the basics well enough. The movie is mostly driven by dialogue, which sounds clear and clean throughout. The pop rock soundtrack provides some presence, but this is still not all that active of a soundtrack. A few specific scenes do ramp up the audio intensity, but don’t expect the world from this mix. Even so, it sounds good and never disappoints. This release also includes French, Spanish, and Portuguese language tracks, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Thai, and Cantonese.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release includes some deleted scenes, a multitude of promotional featurettes, and a Jack Savoretti music video. The second disc contains a digital copy for use on portable devices.
