The Graduate (1967)

Broccoli-man, my arch nemesis, strikes again! He succeeded in foiling my plans yet again by making sure that Singin' in the Rain, Lawrence of Arabia, Gone with the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz were all checked out at my local video store. Taking matters into my own hands I skipped down to number 17 on the list to rent The Graduate.

The most pivotal scene in the movie was when Wayne jumps in an Alpha Romeo Spider and drives to Santa Barbara. After asking directions from Charlton Heston, breaking up the wrong wedding, and then making it to the right church, he gets Cassandra to run away with him to play at Waynestock...Oh wait a minute. I'm thinking of the spoof of this famous movie in Wayne's World 2. Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZbW3GgZvf0

In all seriousness this was a very decent movie. It portrays a freshly graduated rich boy, played by Dustin Hoffman, who is seduced by the wife of his father's business partner, Mrs. Robinson. To make matters worse, he falls in love with the daughter of the Robinsons and that is when things get interesting. You know me though. I'm going to stop there to not ruin the movie for you.

The most notable thing about this movie was the soundtrack. Most of the music was performed by Simon & Garfunkel. Songs such as "The Sound of Silence," "April Come She Will," and you guessed it "Mrs. Robinson." The music was like an expensive vodka to the fine caviar of Hoffman's acting. These songs were played during scenes of reflection or long walking sequences. At times it seemed a little like overkill but I am so in love with Paul Simon's music I didn't mind.

I wasn't completely blown away by The Graduate, but it was fun to watch. I dare say that it should at least be on everyone's list to see once.

The bottom line:
Rating: 3.7
Would I own it? If I someday become a movie collector then I would own it.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Especially to music lovers.