The Freshman
The Freshman

The Freshman

1990Movie102 minEnglish

After a film student gets his belongings stolen, he meets a mobster bearing a startling resemblance to a certain cinematic godfather. Soon, he finds himself caught up in a caper involving endangered species and fine dining.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic53/100
Google Users72%
Director: Andrew BergmanGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

Clark Kellogg, a shy film student from Vermont, arrives in New York City eager to start his new life and pursue his cinematic dreams. However, he quickly finds himself entangled with Carmine Sabatini, an aging and eccentric mob boss who, through a series of coincidences and mistaken identities, takes Clark under his wing. Clark becomes involved in Carmine's unusual 'business' dealings, which involve exotic and endangered animals, blurring the lines between his aspirations and his increasingly dangerous reality.

Critical Reception

The Freshman was generally well-received by critics for its quirky humor and the unique pairing of Matthew Broderick and Marlon Brando. While not a massive box office success, it found a cult following for its original premise and Brando's memorable performance. Audience reception was positive, appreciating its lighthearted take on mob culture and the fish-out-of-water narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its original and amusing premise, particularly the odd-couple dynamic.
  • Marlon Brando's performance as Carmine Sabatini was a highlight, injecting charisma and humor into the role.
  • Some critics found the plot slightly meandering but appreciated the film's unique, offbeat charm.

Google audience: Google users found 'The Freshman' to be a charming and humorous film, with many specifically appreciating Marlon Brando's final major role and the comedic chemistry between him and Matthew Broderick. The unique storyline involving exotic animals and mob life was also frequently cited as a positive element.

Fun Fact

Marlon Brando's performance as mob boss Carmine Sabatini was his last major role before his death in 2004, and it earned him critical praise for its surprising comedic depth and charisma.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
kevin2019

kevin2019

"The Freshman" is a very entertaining and satisfying film on every level when it could have been nothing more than a one joke, one dimensional novelity based upon the very appetising prospect not of a Komondo dragon banquet, but of watching...
John Chard

John Chard

Fresh or Ripe? The Freshman is a sort of comedy drama sprinkled with self aware barbs at film analysis. It’s a great opportunity to see Marlon Brando relaxed and fully playing up the self-parody angle. Plot finds Matthew Broderick as Cla...