Back to School
Back to School

Movie spotlight

Back to School

1986
Movie
96 min
English

Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Google Users75%
Director: Alan MetterGenres: Comedy

Plot Summary

A wealthy, uneducated businessman, Thornton Melon, decides to enroll in college to help his son deal with bullies and a failing grade. Posing as a fellow student, the millionaire attempts to relive his college years, which he never experienced, by joining the dive team and even participating in a Triple Lindy. His presence in college leads to a series of hilarious hijinks and challenges traditional academic structures.

Critical Reception

Back to School was a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing comedies of 1986. While critics were divided, many found Rodney Dangerfield's performance and comedic timing to be the film's main strength, though some found the plot predictable.

What Reviewers Say

  • Rodney Dangerfield's signature stand-up persona translates effectively into a charmingly absurd leading role.

  • The film relies heavily on Dangerfield's jokes and physical comedy, with the supporting cast providing adequate, if unmemorable, performances.

  • While formulaic, the movie offers enough laughs to satisfy fans of '80s comedies and Dangerfield's brand of humor.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film for its humor and Rodney Dangerfield's performance, finding it a fun and lighthearted comedy, though some noted its predictable plot.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The Triple Lindy, the climactic diving sequence, was inspired by the real-life 'Triple Lindy' dive performed by Greg Louganis in the 1984 Olympics.

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