Rumor Has It...

First and foremost..."Rumor Has It..." is based on a movie called "The Graduate" that wasn't written by the same guy (you'll read more about that in a bit). Do Charles Webb and artistic merit a favor, and please see "The Graduate" before you go see this movie, or at least be familiar with its characters, tone, and plot. It's just the right thing to do.

So, this guy named Ted Griffin writes a script based on the 1960s classic, "The Graduate", called "Rumor Has It...". He grew up in Pasadena, the setting for both movies, and has a talent for writing cleverly, such as when he wrote "Matchstick Men."

Something interesting to note is that he was originally slated to direct the film, but was replaced by Rob Reiner, director of "When Harry Met Sally" and "The Princess Bride" to name a couple.

I had mixed feelings going into this one. On the one hand, I was a huge fan of the graduate, and I liked the idea behind this film. On the other hand, it is an unofficial sequel, which kind of makes me a little nervous.

I don't want people running around making sequels to MY movies, that's for sure. That's like geeky starwars fanfiction on the internet....it's just.....too far.

But I digress. I actually enjoyed this movie very much. It was funny, you are kept on the edge of your seat not knowing what is going to happen with these characters, and everyone picks sides. You know when you leave the theatre, some people are going to be unsatisfied with "why didn't such and such get the girl", but that's life. Sometimes that happens, and it's important to not always be completely satisfied when you leave the theater. I mean it's important that the movie make sense and entertain you...but to dangle a little treat in your face and then snatch it away just as you reach out and start to like it -- that's life.

From what I hear through the grapevine (and by "grapevine," I mean Jennifer) is that other critics think Jennifer Anniston was a bad casting job for this film. I don't know if I agree. She's a great actress, but she's a little type-cast. It is hard for her to break out of "the life and times of Rachelle Green when she's not hanging out with Joey, Monica, Chandler, Ross and Pheobe." That being said, I think Rachel Green is exactly what people relate to, and want to be friends with, and sympathize with. While getting a less type-cast actress would have been a better idea, admittedly, I don't think it brings down the film in anyway. Not better or worse, just different.

But, if you like friends, or at least Rachelle, and want more (much in the same way you may have liked the graduate and wanted more) then this is a great movie. But don't go in expecting a movie with the same tone and feel of "The Graduate" (other than the fact that Kevin Costner plays a PERFECT older Dustin Hoffman...you really believe it's him from the graduate - good job Kevvy boy). "Rumor Has It..." is much more goofy, fun, and light-hearted. There are a few sinking moments, but the movie breaks out of the "dark comedy" zone and launches full force into the "romantic comedy" zone.

Again, not a problem. Just something to look out for if you're a "The Graduate" fan.

In short, the performances were great (I really hope to see more and more of Mark Ruffalo of "Eternal Sunshine.." fame) the writing was great, but it has this sort of fan-fiction feel to it. But, it's really good fan fiction!

I believe Charles Webb, the writer of the original graduate made a reference to this movie being a case and point of screenwriters running out of ideas. I think he's jealous.