Review of Back to School (1986) by Stuart K — 18 Apr 2010
After Rodney Dangerfield made a name for himself in Caddyshack (1980), Hollywood came calling, and he answered with this amusing little film, which Dangerfield came up with the idea for, and it was co-written and produced by Harold Ramis.
It's a product of it's time, but it has a very good cast, and it's very enjoyable. It has Thornton Melon (Dangerfield), who came up from his Italian father's tailor business to owning a company that specialises in clothing for larger people.
When he gets a call that his son Jason (Keith Gordon) is not enjoying it at college, and he only has his eccentric friend Derek (Robert Downey Jr.) for support. So, Thornton and his chauffeur Lou (Burt Young) come along to help him out, and with a little financial persuasion, Thornton convinces the college's head, Dean Martin (Ned Beatty) to let him enrol, and study too, as he never had a proper education either.
But, with Thornton at the college, it's a case of party now, study later, much to the embarrassment of Jason. It's a very enjoyable and funny film, and Dangerfield is a likeable presence, and has some of the best lines in the film.
It's another film where the boorish underdogs take on the establishment, and try to get their way. More people should take heed Dangerfield's view on life, as it's very enjoyable!!
This review of Back to School (1986) was written by Stuart K on 18 Apr 2010.
Back to School has generally received positive reviews.
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