The Graduate (1967)

Plot: A disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter.
Stars:  Dustin Hoffman, Ann Bancroft, Murray Hamilton, Katherine Ross

Watching the Graduate on its 50th anniversary was a surprising experience. I'd expected to be pleased - but I was bored.  And for the following reasons:

The film has two parts: the first part is a satirical comedy about an idealistic 22 y/o dealing with his crass parents while being pursued by a ferocious  "cougar" called Mrs. Robinson.  Except for the following lines,  I didn't find this part funny - and there's nothing more boring than an unfunny comedy.

Mr. McGuire: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.

The second part is an often sentimental drama about him breaking off his relationship with Mrs Robinson and then stalking - and trying to marry - her daughter Elaine.  And I found that boring too, because Elaine is a complete zero.  Hoffman's obsession with her is never explained since she isn't beautiful, witty, smart, or funny. Why would anyone go after her, when you could have Ann Bancroft?

And I kept noticing things.

 Like how 30 y/o Dustin Hoffman was too old to be a "what should I do with my life?" 22 y/o.  Or how Ann Bancroft (36 years old) was too young and pretty to be a "Cougar" with a 20 y/o daughter. And why would she go after whiny, 5' 6" Dustin Hoffman, when she could have any number of SoCal Surfers - or Mel Brooks?

And why are we supposed to root for Ben?  He's a creep.  Born into a rich family, he mopes around after graduation doing nothing and then hops into bed with the wife of his father's best friend.  A man who likes Ben and has helped him his entire life. Later, as if to destroy this guy even further, he decides to stalk his daughter relentlessly until she marries him.  How'd you like to find out that your new son-in-law has been boinking your wife?  The Graduate gets us to overlook Ben's creepiness by stacking the deck.  Both Elaine and Ben are shown as idealistic, if naive. bumblers. Meanwhile, all the adults are mean, crass, silly, or bitter.

Summary:  I found it pretty damn boring but most people (IMDB rating 8.0) don't.  If you aren't allergic to Simon and Garfunkle or Dustin Hoffman - I'd give it shot.  But read the on-line 1997 Ebert review after you're finished.