1. Liberal Arts
While the first two films on this list could have been anticipated (they were both highly reviewed and Oscar nominated), Im guessing few of you saw this one coming. Here we have a film that stars the other guy from that Neil Patrick Harris show and the little sister of the Olsen twins. Its not up for any awards and has a less than 70% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And while there may be some little flaws in it, Liberal Arts is just as deserving of a place on this list as either of the higher profile entries. Josh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsens film succeeds because its based around the realistic conversations of two people excited by love. We remember enjoying the 90s film Beautiful Girls, right? (Actually, that film almost made this list, but I elected not to include it because it focuses on too many relationships.) And we remember one of the main reasons was because of the adorable but almost troubling friendship between 30-something Timothy Hutton and thirteen-year-old Natalie Portman. Well, what if that relationship was a little more legal and became the center of its own movie. Thats kind of what we have with Liberal Arts. Jesse is a 35-year-old admissions counselor and Zibby is a 19-year-old college student. Society says they shouldnt be together, but they connect. Thats the story and its good because their conversations are true. They write each other letters about good music and dive into the topic of whether or not Twilight is quality/enjoyable writing. And when the moment arrives to sleep together, the film takes a perfect turn. Perhaps even more than the other two, this film and Zibby and Jesses relationship in it rings true because weve all been on college campuses. Weve all had a crush on someone older or younger than us that society would suggest was inappropriate. Radnor (he also wrote and directed it) has taken that situation and crafted a beautiful little, life-affirming message to us. Exciting, enlightening, engaging conversation can come from unexpected places. Be thoughtful but also dont be afraid to embrace it. There are my three. I would love to hear the films you think get relationships right, or hear if you disagree with my selections.