SummarySelf-made millionaire Thorton Mellon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides to enroll in college to help his son adjust to life at school and on the diving team. Hilarity ensues.
Directed By:Alan Metter
Written By:Steven Kampmann, William Porter, PJ Torokvei, Harold Ramis, Rodney Dangerfield, Greg Fields, Dennis Snee
Back to School
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
User score
Generally Favorable
7.7
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
67% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
33% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
80
As vehicles for fat comedians who were big in the States but never exported well go, this self-proclaimed slob comedy is nearly a masterpiece and certainly much better than the comparable Revenge of the Nerds films.
80
It's a good character for Dangerfield, one that veers him away from the “I don't get no respect” pathos that comes too easily to him, and enough attention is paid to the minimal plot to integrate Dangerfield's classically constructed one-liners into something like a dramatic situation. This is what they mean by “a good vehicle.”
User score
Generally Favorable
81% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
14% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
May 18, 2017
10
I probably saw this movie 10 times in the theater alone. The scene in which Thorton melon challenges his micro economics teacher to explain what a widget is is absolutely priceless. This movie has something of an us against them quality to it, sort of like revenge of the nerds had, and executes it with a warm heart did satirical tone. Lastly the lien your wife was just showing us her Klympt -after which Rodney responds she showing it to you too? She's showing it to everybody! is hilarious.
Apr 29, 2017
10
This is easily one of the funniest movies of all-time. The scene which sees Thornton Mellon attending the intro to economics class, challenging the teacher at every point - illustrating the real clash between the theoretical and the real world practicalities of running a business - insanely funny. Unlike his roles in Easy Money and Caddyshack, you really get to know Dangerfield's character, and you feel for him. A minor miracle. I'm not going to spoil anything more - just stream it or rent it. One of the best of the era.
75
The profoundly strange presence of Rodney Dangerfield triumphs over sloppy writing and lumpy editing in this sometimes raunchy farce about a middle-aged dad who joins his son as a freshman at college. The theme of father-son loyalty is attractive, and the supporting cast is strong.
75
In this very funny Rodney Dangerfield comedy, there has been an important shift in Rodney`s entertainment persona, a shift that has made this small film a monster hit.
70
The film is a good-natured potpourri of gags, funny bits, populist sentiment and anti-intellectualism.
50
A comedy that belongs back on the drawing board.
40
The most jarring casting mistake (even more jarring than the miscasting of Dangerfield) involves Keith Gordon, who plays Thornton's son. Gordon, who has shown himself to be an intense and quirky actor in such films as Christine and Dressed to Kill, is a smoldering presence in what ought to be a light, comic role. His psycho-killer eyes just don't fit here.
May 13, 2017
9
An absolute classic. I consider it Rodney's magnum opus. What he should be remembered by. Sure, there's Caddyshack, but this film shows the full Rodney. And the supporting cast of 80's favorites is incredible.
Production Company:
- Orion Pictures
- Paper Clip Productions
Release Date:Jun 13, 1986
Duration:1 h 36 m
Rating:PG-13
Tagline:Registration starts Friday, June 13, at theaters everywhere.
Awards
BMI Film & TV Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
American Comedy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
MTV Video Music Awards (VMA)
• 1 Nomination
