With graduation season fast approaching these 5 films are required viewing material for all impending graduates.
[tps_title] 5. Tiny Furniture [/tps_title]
- Year: 2010
- Starring: Lena Dunham, Laurie Simmons, Grace Dunham, Jemima Kirke, Alex Karpovsky, David Call, Merritt Wever, and Amy Seimetz
- Accurate Depiction of Post-Grad Life on a scale of 1-10: 4, because how many mom’s photograph tiny furniture for a living?
- This independent comedy starring a pre-Girls Lena Dunham tells the story of Aura (Dunham), a recent college graduate who moves back home after four years of school. Any fan of Girls will love this movie. In true Dunham fashion, Tiny Furniture is witty, sarcastic, and original.
[tps_title] 4. Adventureland [/tps_title]
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- Year: 2009
- Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig
- Accurate Depiction of Post-Grad Life on a scale of 1-10: 7, because of the honest representation of college graduates working minimum wage jobs after graduation.
- Set in the 1980’s, Adventureland is a dramatic comedy that is sure to make you nostalgic for the summertime of yesteryear. The story revolves around James Brennan (Eisenberg), an aspiring journalist who resentfully takes a job at a theme park after graduation. During his time at Adventureland, Brennan meets the free spirited Em (played by a surprisingly charming Kristen Stewart) and the two spark up a summer romance despite complicated circumstances.
[tps_title] 3. Reality Bites [/tps_title]
- Year: 1994
- Starring: Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn, Swoosie Kurtz, Joe Don Baker, and John Mahoney
- Accurate Depiction of Post-Grad Life on a scale of 1-10: 6, because it’s a little too convenient that an aspiring filmmaker throws her cigarette into the car of a network executive leading to her big break.
- This quintessential Generation X love story focuses on a group of post-graduates (lead by the incomparable Winona Ryder) struggling to survive in the real world. If ever there was a movie that accurately depicts the lives of young adults in the 1990’s, it is Reality Bites. With a stellar cast (Janeane Garofalo, need I say more?) and compelling storyline, Reality Bites will leave you wanting more.
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[tps_title] 2. St. Elmo’s Fire [/tps_title]
- Year: 1985
- Starring: Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham, Andrew McCarthy, and Andie MacDowell
- Accurate Depiction of Post-Grad Life on a sale of 1-10: 8, because of the truthful representation of post-college friendships.
- The Brat Pack tackles adulthood. The various characters accurately depict the different directions life takes following graduation. The young actors, who grew up to be some of Hollywood’s biggest stars (*cough cough* Rob Lowe *cough cough*), give spectacular performances as seven friends trying to navigate through life after graduation. St. Elmo’s Fire is a must watch for every upcoming college grad struggling with the responsibilities of adulthood.
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[tps_title] 1. The Graduate [/tps_title]
- Year: 1967
- Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross
- Accurate Depiction of Post-Grad Life on a scale of 1-10: 10, because of the fact that Benjamin Braddock, like most post-grads, has no idea what he’s going to do for the rest of his life (although most of us don’t engage in a sexual affair with an older family friend).
- If there’s one movie you watch on this list, make it The Graduate. It is the ideal graduation movie. This classic story tells the tale of Benjamin Braddock (Hoffman), an awkward post-grad with very little motivation. After being seduced by the sensual Mrs. Robinson (Bancroft), the mother of the girl he loves, Ben’s life spirals out of control. The critically acclaimed film is one of a kind. Inventive and original, The Graduate is required viewing material for every impending college graduate (plus the soundtrack is euphoric).
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