Graduation (2007/MagNet/Magnolia)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Film: C-

 

 

One always hopes that films about teens making wild, risky decisions will work, but too often, they fall flat because of lack of character development, absurd story twists and a general sense of unreality.  Mike Mayer’s Graduation (2007) offers all of that and much, much less.  D. Cory Turner’s screenplay is a wreck and the cast of unknowns including Shannon Lucio, Riley Smith, Chris Marquette and Chris Lowell don’t make much of an impression.

 

Not that this mess helps them any, but the worst part is when it is in the worst possible shape, including lame attempts at relationship connection are the very weak foundation for a heist picture.  That seems like an afterthought here and it will leave you rooting for the police to charge in and end this whole thing.  Maybe the young actors will get a better chance next time, but I felt bad for Adam Arkin who deserves better.  All in all, the newcomers do not get to “graduate” into viable careers, but they should all try again.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 is soft and weak, with attempts to be both urban and slick visually.  None of the shots are very memorable and Director of Photography Matt Uhry should try harder on his next project.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has no major surrounds, but is competently recorded, though some dialogue could sound better.  Extras include bloopers, an alternate opening, deleted/extended scenes, slideshow, audio commentary and storyboard comparisons.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo