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| Old School |
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  (7/10)
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Runtime: 91 m |
| Public Rating: 7.19 (329 votes) |
Director: Todd Phillips |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Comedy |
Year: 2003 |
| Writer(s): Scot Armstrong |
| Reviewed by: Dick Douglas |
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With all of the ingredients of a successful comedy, Old School delivers laugh after laugh with a surprisingly A-list cast and an equally great soundtrack. The film follows three friends through a sort of mid-life crisis, and they find themselves starting a fraternity when they move into a neighborhood bordering the local college.
The story revolves around the Godfather of the fraternity, Mitch (Luke Wilson), who finds himself living in this new frat house after catching his girlfriend in the middle of sexual skullduggery. Beanie (Vince Vaughn) is the inspirational leader of the trio, and his ideas and finances help the creation of this Revenge of the Nerds/Animal House for thirty-somethings and social rejects. Frank (Will Ferrell) is the true gem of the film, playing the character who gets married only to realize that he isn’t going to change his childish behavior. The debauchery that ensues brings out “Frank the Tank”, what can only be assumed was his drunk alter-ego during his undergraduate days.
The film begins with quick and right on humor and keeps the laughs going throughout. The trio of characters develop a reputation on campus, and even have a confrontation with the Dean of the school (ironically the guy they used to pick on, played wonderfully by Jeremy Piven). The film ends in a fraternity charter review reminiscent of the Revenge of the Nerds climax that lacks originality, but has potential written all over it. And of course, there is the life lesson aspect as they all experience personal growth through the process. Impressive cameos from time to time add to the genuine appeal of this picture and the music is great (Adam Sandler film style). The story doesn’t stray too far from its roots, keeping it both traditional and predictable, the way it is meant to be. But the humor is intense and plentiful.
Will Ferrell is an absolute comic genius, no question. His presence elicits laughter even before the punch line. He plays the oafish lush with such perfection that his character is someone that we all can relate to somehow, a representation of a friend or acquaintance that made a favorable impression and created some good memories. Overall the film is good-hearted humor that makes you laugh as long as you aren’t expecting more than a fun time.
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