Review of PCU (1994) by Ryan V — 17 Apr 2013

I just LOVE this movie. I think it's about the greatest college comedy ever. Some say that particular distinction belongs to "Animal House" but I must confess I saw that movie and just didn't get into it.

Wrong generation, I guess. What I love about PCU is the way it satirizes everything about the post-modern university where so much stuff is is overly-intellectualized: like the president saying that "I think bisexual Asian studies should have its own room but the question is, who goes? The math department, or the hockey team? I think hockey.

" Yet, the film also illustrates the fervent ANTI-intellectualism and anarchic behavior. I'll never forget Jeremy Piven's famous line, "You can major in Game-Boy if you know how to bullshit!" My personal favorite scene is when Jeremy Piven says "If you don't want to do this party thing, there is one other option: we all get jobs.

" and Megan Ward chirps, "I'll party." I even love this film for all the little details right down the Womynists and their armpit hair. Truly, this movie just doesn't miss a trick.

I've seen the commentary for this film and Jeremy Piven mentioned that it was his only lead role and it (sadly) bombed at the box office. However, he also mentioned it made some money in rentals and sales and over time has grown into a cult classic.

One other thing: I don't care what people say, this movie is way better than "Old School" any day. The way that Snoop Dogg just appeared at a party in old school is not only ridiculous, but it's an obvious rip-off of this film when George Clinton shows up at the pit.

Clinton's appearance in "PCU" struck me as comically plausible (the result of bad navigation on a tour bus and a PIT member at the right place at the right time.) However, Snoop Dogg's appearance is "Old School" is an unexplained and superfluous part of the film which was obviously put in just to make the movie look cool.

Due to its lack of contextualization, however, it strikes me as silly. Also, I find Snoop Dogg pretty repulsive anyway. However, I once met George Clinton when I was living in Tallahassee and we talked about this film.

That was neat.