Most recognized as Ted Mosby from the well-loved show “How I Met Your Mother,” Josh Radnor clearly used influences of that character when writing, directing and acting in “Liberal Arts.”
His characters felt so similar that it felt like Radnor walked off the set of “How I Met Your Mother” and straight into his role as Jesse FIsher in “Liberal Arts.”
This isn’t true for the other big name in the movie — Zac Efron. Efron’s character in the movie is fresh and completely unlike his usual roles. The scenes featuring him were the most entertaining to me. His character is enigmatic and bordering on mystic in a way that almost succeeds in giving the movie the depth it so clearly strives for.
To me, the main thing “Liberal Arts” lacks is a real plot. Relationships and interactions between characters seem forced. In a well-made film, viewers should be able to connect to the characters, but it’s not an easy task in this movie. Because this film centers around college, growing up and relationships, some situations were relatable, but many felt like pandering. It was reminiscent of an out-of-touch relative trying to relate to you.
In the end, “Liberal Arts” falls short. It has the feel of a typical indie film, so my expectations weren’t too high, but it still could have been executed better. Despite the familiar faces and the film’s strain to produce depth, I found myself bored through most of it.
