The Graduates shows a bright future in the magnificent talent of writer/director Ryan Gielen. A brilliant, well written coming of age film takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions, that comes to a halt with a great message that will certainly make you think! Nick Vergaga offers a standout performance as the best bud, Mattie, but I'm not saying that the entire cast didn't offer a spectacular performance. That would be farthest from the truth. On many occasions, this reminded me a little bit about my own journey, enlightening me through their deep conversations, or experiences. You will not be disappointed with this movie! It's a must-see!!!!

i might be a little biased living in ocean city and basically knowing everyone in that movie but it was great! it had good composure,all the elements, i would so see it again, loved it! It was cool seeing people in a movie and being able to see them at a party the next day! but it's not even that the actual movie was great me and my friends watched it and we all loved it! the entire movie we would just name exactly were and would be like oh hey we were there the other day etc. it was a good movie and really fun to watch as an local. i loved it! all the actors we're very good as well! this movie is definitely not what i would have expected of a low-budget film made in ocean city Maryland! it greatly exceeded my expectations though!

This movie is not just a run of the mill coming of age comedy, but one with heart, insight, and new adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed it. the scenes were authentic and i'm still quoting several memorable lines. As a newbie to the world of indie films, i was really impressed to see how much could be accomplished with very limited resources. It makes me want to see more from this group of very dedicated and talented film makers and actors. i definitely recommend seeing this film. Whether you are waiting to experience senior week for yourself or reliving the one(s) that you remember, this movie will leave you smiling and waiting anxiously for summer 2009!

Though independent and "low budget", what others have deemed "staged" and "faked" (perfect "in frame" shots), seems to be a disguised complement on the quality of camera work for an "amateur" production!The characters are realistic representations of people we all knew (maybe even were) throughout high school.The cast seemed well selected (from looks/costuming/etc) for their "parts". The main characters, are not the "beautiful", "popular", "jocks"..... they are the other ones, the ones that weren't "popular" per se', but weren't outcasts.Remember that beautiful girl that everybody wanted? How about the "nice girl" who fell in love with her best friend? Or (my favorite) the "dead beat" older brother who still is scarred from his first time having sex.Yes, there are a few clichés but really.....they're clichés for a reason. BECAUSE THEY'RE REAL!!!!All the characters I could put names to my former schoolmates.This was all-in-all a fun, nostalgic romp through what was an otherwise traumatizing time.