Movie | Rumor Has It

Rumor Has It...
Distributed By: Warner Bros.
Released On: December 25, 2005 (USA)
DVD Release: May 9, 2006 (USA)
Rated: 12
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Format: DVD
Rating: 3

Jennifer Aniston stars in this romantic comedy from director Rob Reiner. Aniston plays Sarah Huttinger, a young woman who travels back to visit her family in California and is shocked to learn that they were supposedly the model for the classic book and film 'The Graduate', and that her youthful grandmother Katharine (Shirley MacLaine) could be the real-life Mrs Robinson. In which case, Sarah begins to suspect that wealthy family friend Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner) could have been the young man who had tumultuous affairs with both her mother and grandmother.

Based around the novel, and accompanying film, The Graduate, Rumor Has It is a typical, feel-good romantic comedy. Sarah Huttinger (Jennifer Anniston) has always felt like an outsider in her family. After a revelation by her grandmother, and stories from her mother’s high school best friend, Sarah discovers that the book and film, The Graduate, were based on her family. Her fiancé Jeff’s mathematical skills also lead Sarah to believe that she may be the outcome of the affair, the child of Beau Burroughs, the man who inspired the character Benjamin Braddock. In order to find the truth, Sarah goes in search of the man himself.

It might not be the most exciting film and the story may be a little predictable but generally it is not an awful film. If you’re not in to girly romantic comedies then I would definitely avoid this film but for those who enjoy a bit of trashy, feel-good entertainment then there are a lot worse films out there.

The acting is decently average with a reasonably high standard cast, such as Kevin Costner and Shirley MacLaine. The story, although predictable, was a good idea and did not let the film down. What did let the film down was the depth. By the end I felt as though the story was skimmed over rather than dived into and it would have been much more enjoyable had characters and events been expanded upon.

Generally, this film is not great but I would happily watch it when looking for something lightweight with a bit of good hearted humour and some decent, not to mention attractive, cast members.