I've been on a Josh Radnor kick lately. Most of you know him as Ted on How I Met Your Mother. Last summer I watched him in Happy Thank You More Please, which he wrote, directed and starred in (no big deal). So when I read he wrote and directed another movie, I had to see it.
Liberal Arts tells the story of Jesse (Josh Radnor), a grown man who returns to his alma mater to honor his retiring professor. While on campus he falls for a beautiful student, Zibby, played by Elizabeth Olsen.
When Jesse has to leave campus and go back to his real life, Zibby requests that he write her letters. They begin a flirtatious correspondence which escalates to include mix CDs. You can tell things were getting serious.
As you might guess, Jesse is confused how he can be attracted to someone 16 years younger than him. At one point he says to her, "I can't figure out if we get along so well because you're advanced or I'm stunted." Anyone who has dated with a serious age gap can relate to that question.
Ultimately, Jesse and Zibby end their intimate affair and he winds up with someone much more sensible, a book store clerk in his NYC neighborhood. During their first make out, he says to her, "You are so beautiful and so age appropriate." Ha!
I wanted to love Liberal Arts the way I've loved all other things Josh Radnor, but unfortunately, this movie fell flat. Not even it's insane roster of guest stars could save it, which included: Allison Janey, Richard Jenkins, Zac Efron and Elizabeth Reaser. Overall, it just felt whiny.
Do you have any rental recommendations for me? I am traveling a ton for work over the next few weeks and could use some airport/plane movies.
