Things are tough all over. "Economy" is fast becoming a four-letter word, and with so many struggling to keep their heads above water, the movies seem more important than ever as a means of escape. What we don't need is something like Post Grad, a movie that spits in the face of those going through hard times and tells them all their efforts are for naught. Under the guise of a fluffy cinematic jaunt, the film conveys the story of the world's most ungrateful whiner. Is that a little harsh? Perhaps, though it's closer to reality than anything Post Grad has to offer.

After cutting her teeth as a member of the Traveling Pants troupe, Alexis Bledel enters leading lady territory as gal-on-the-go Ryden Malby. She's had her life mapped out for years, and now that she's a college graduate, she expects a book publishing job served to her on a silver platter. But life has other plans for Ryden, and barely ten minutes have passed before she's living back with her wacky brood. As the job search commences, Ryden also finds herself in the middle of a romantic pickle. On one side is Adam (Zach Gilford), the loyal friend who's always been there for her, and on the other is Santiago (Rodrigo Santoro), the neighbor whose hunkiness she lusts for. In typical soul-searching fashion, Ryden learns  things don't always pan out the way we want them to, for  being an adult means catching the curveballs life tosses your way.

As a recent refugee of higher education myself, I'm part of the target audience for Post Grad. But I couldn't have felt more distant from Ryden, whose indecisive persona doesn't make her the most endearing lead. Yes, the character needs room to grow, but there's a difference between having much to learn and being too dense to function in society. Ryden seems naïve to a suspect degree, almost too surprised to learn that, gee, a lot of other people are looking for jobs too. To her credit, Ryden is a go-getter and hits the pavement quickly after moving back home. It'd be one story if Post Grad used the rest of its time to comment on the tricky job climate, but nope, it soon morphs into a bad sitcom that scrapes the bottom of the idea bucket long after it's gone bone dry. Caught in the fray is poor Bledel, who looks nice but resembles a deer in the headlights most of the time.

Post Grad comes across as an ungainly Frankenmovie. There are about three different stories vying for attention here: Ryden's job hunt, Ryden's love troubles, and Ryden's oh-so eccentric family. Each of these are handled with a distinct lack of tact, as if the movie is trying really, really hard to be liked. This is especially true with Ryden's relatives, who constantly poke their heads into the story even when there's no place for them. As a result, we get a surplus of extended set pieces without the slightest hint of purpose. For example, what does Ryden's dad being arrested for selling stolen belt buckles have to do with her needing a job? The saddest sight of all involves how the film gathers together so many talented actors and then saddles them with middling material way below their abilities. The presence of gifted folks like Michael Keaton, Demetri Martin, and Carol Burnett reminds you that they should be in a much better movie than the one you're watching.

In case some people are calling out my curmudgeonly ways right about now, I can assure those readers that most viewers will find Post Grad harmless. As hopelessly devoted to convention as it is, the film does move at a zippy pace and had me smiling on a couple of occasions. But with an ultimate message encouraging you to follow your dreams while seeming to denounce having a steady job, Post Grad evokes images of a starry-eyed screenwriter painting herself into a corner and making a mess on the way out.

MY RATING: * 1/2 (out of ****)

(Released by Fox Searchlight Pictures and rated "PG-13" for sexual situations and brief strong language.)