“Graduates” On the Rise

I am wary when I am sent a link to a new web series. I have to admit that I’ve seen some that are just…unspeakably bad. So then I’m in this awkward position where I have no idea what I can say. So, with trepidation and a headache threatening my already questionable ‘good’ mood, I pushed ‘play’ for Graduates. And you know what? I freakin’ loved it. When I was taking my notes, at some point I wrote ‘Love this!’, and underlined it. Twice.

Graduates is brought to us from Here’s To…Productions, which I think is a clever name and it’s tres, tres tragic I can’t steal it. I mean, what? Psh. The production team is: Patrick Beck, Paul Gulyas, and Jorge Gonzalez III.

Because the quality of this show was so impressive I want to make sure to mention Matthew Pollack (Director/Producer/Editor), Bryan O’Connell (Co-director/Producer), Vincent Peone (Director of Photography), and Creighton “coolest first name ever according to Jessica” DeSimone (AC).

Casting is important, so I have no clue why they cast these (awesome) schmucks: Josh Ruben (John Corkery), David Futernick (Cameron West – an homage to Cameron Frye of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?) and the familiar face (if you watch We Need Girlfriends, or just happen to have perpetually haunted dreams like me) of Steven LaChioma (Augustine “Gus” Gustovson). LaChioma’s  offbeat and bold pressence reminds me of Jamie Kennedy in his better ‘Scream‘ days. You can see the full list of the cast/crew on GraduatesPilot.com.

Now, can we get to my more specific notes? *Taps notepad, looks impatient, checks invisible watch*

Screencap of Graduates: Did they just see something more alarming than themselves?

This area of “I graduated but I’m still around college” life hasn’t been extensively covered in either TV or movies. And let’s all agree: you can get pretty sick of seeing high school and college shows. People have run out of ideas and are recycling the old ideas that worked before (90210, ahem). T

his show is about three Grad Students who find themselves missing their undergraduate time, and don’t really know where they belong – managing  their bank accounts or blowing them in a game of strip poker. They ponder their curious existences as they wander halls, frat parties, and classrooms. All you have to ponder is if this show is for you. (I think it is, and I’m kinda psychic.)

Graduates has fused a combination of humor that males and females can both appreciate. I honestly think that task is often found to be very difficult in a world of pretty clearly defined ‘guy movies’ and ‘chick flicks’. (I mean, I’m not gonna ask a straight guy to watch Mamma Mia! with me, I’m not a masochist. We need more gender neutral movies out there to pick from! I’m getting tired of watching Speed.)

The characters in Graduates are well-constructed but not stereotypes, which is another point to appreciate. And while we’re appreciating here – let’s also appreciate the genius writing, the hilarious comedic value that the actors all bring to their roles, and the wonderfully solid quality of the production elements (sound, visual, even Amish props).

To tell you a bit about each of the three main characters, I’ve come up with three keywords for each. John is sarcastic, witty, and boggled (like, all the time). Cameron is fussy, insecure, and funny. Gus is ridiculous, hyper, and crazy. I genuinely couldn’t tell you which is my favorite character, which is actually always a good sign. *Firm nod*

Memorable Quotes from Graduates (these might not be exact but I tried my best!):

“Sexy Amish party! Bitches and beards!”

“I need your help.”
“If you knew me you’d know I’m pretty worthless.”

“You guys aren’t going anywhere…kill yourselves!”

“Why don’t you call Becca?”
“You know damn well she dumped me for no reason!”
“You hit her father with a CAR!”
“Are we gonna quibble here?”

“I’m implementing nap Monday.”

“Awh, frizzles!”

“Fun nazi.”

If the image below doesn’t show, you can watch Graduates on graduatespilot.com

Graduates Pilot from Graduates on Vimeo.