Philosophically Speaking

Moving away from his sitcom stardom, Josh Radnor has proven he has so much more to offer. From his equally entertaining directorial debut, Happythankyoumoreplease (2010), and now another creation just as captivating. Probably a new kind of favorite.

Liberal Arts (2012)
A film by Josh Radnor

Jesse Fischer, a 35-year old admissions officer in New York City who returns to his alma mater in Ohio to attend his former professor's retirement party, falls for a student sixteen years his junior.

Ideas might have seemed a bit simplistic in Liberal Arts; yet it has conveyed insightful, objective views about youth, adulthood, and aging. Even with more philosophical thoughts and less romantic scenes (but not romanticism), it still had given enough laughs and warmth. The dialogues are also pretty interesting with the ideas appearing casual, and not severed by a one-man point of view. Three generations of liberated minds sharing opinions about humanity. Poetic justice (in the words of that one critic I read), indeed, has been served in this film. In addition, the actors are truly remarkable. Elizabeth Olsen is always a revelation. And of course, Ted (Radnor, in reference to his previous show, How I Met Your Mother), has shown a job well done  — writing, directing, and acting-wise.

Nobody ever feels like an adult. It's everybody's dirty little secret.

Liberal Arts is the complete opposite of what I expected; and it had a satisfying turn-out. Don't be fooled by its mediocre poster. Its soul is amusingly engaging.