Back To School

Starring: Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Burt Ward, Keith Gordon, Robert Downey, Jr., Ned Beatty
Written by: Rodney Dangerfield, Greg Fields
Director: Alan Meter
Year: 1986

Rating: * * *   Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * *

Rich and successful business man Thornton Mellon (Rodney Dangerfield) is a self made millionaire, yet never went to college. When his son is contemplating dropping out, Thornton decides he'll go through it with him, and becomes a college freshman.

Having never met a problem he couldn't buy his way out of, Thornton passes admissions after a sizable donation to the University, and with a little paid construction work, turns his, his son's Jason (Keith Gordon) and college pal Derek Lutz's (Robert Downey, Jr) adjoining dorm rooms into one large suite. 

Father and son attend a few classes together, including a business class where Thornton and the Professor, Dr. Phillip Barbay (Paxton Whitehead), instantly clash as what he is teaching is in direct contrast to Thornton's experience as a business man. They also attend a poetry class of Dr. Diane Turner (Sally Kellerman) who Thornton immediately develops a crush on, and who happens to be dating Dr. Barbay. Thornton is on his own, however, in History class with Professor Terguson (Sam Kinison), who's love of history borders on the psychotic. Jason grows increasingly frustrated with his Dad. His Father pays people to do his homework and take notes in class. He also struggles to get on the diving team, only to believe his Father paid off the coach to get him in. Plus he has all the normal anxieties to deal with, including a love interest who happens to be dating the resident college-jock douche bag Chas, played by the great 80's bully William Zabka. While Dad is having all the fun of college life, Jason buries himself in midterm reports and studies, trying to make it on his own without his Father's help.

The fish out of water motif is played up in this fantastic 80's comedy. Perhaps Dangerfield's most memorable performance since Caddyshack, he pulls off a convincing rich and successful business man, yet retains his "no respect" shtick that made him famous. Burt Ward is a perfect compliment to Dangerfield as Lou, Thornton's limo driver, masseuse, and body guard. He keeps Thornton grounded just enough to keep everything in perspective. Paxton Whitehead turns up the snobbery as Thornton's nemesis. The comedy is impeccably timed, eliciting the right amount of laughter, and no joke falls short. While this film may get lost in the shuffle of other 80's school films like Revenge of the Nerds, Animal House, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and just about anything John Hughes, Back To School stands on its own two feet and is definitely worth peeping out.