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The Graduate

A review by Mike Shea   Movie Rating: ( * * * * * )    DVD Rating: ( * * · · · )

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Another one of my attempts to dig into the AFI 100 list. This movie was a total joy to watch. I was laughing like a hyina throughout the entire film. Dustin Hoffman is perfect at the role, and the story itself was perfect from one scene to the next. One of the things I love about movies is their ability to invoke an emotional response. From the lust in Risky Business, the hatred in Braveheart, the loss and dispair on Godfather 2, it is what makes movies great. The only emotional response I DONT like in movies is uncomfort. Scent of a Woman is a perfect example. I wanted to turn that movie off simply for the uncomfort that was transferred to me by the main charactor. The Graduate was the first movie that not only bestows this emotion, but lets you revel in it. It works perfectly. The dialog and camera work is amazing, being the motivation for countless films since. One of the best comedies I have ever seen, a true classic. The DVD is a non-anamorphic in Dolby Pro-logic. It includes an interview with Dustin Hoffman that is a bit of a snoozer. Not too terrible considering the source material is from 67, but not great either.