À fond la fac

Rodney Dangerfield (RIP) has got a specific and recognizable sense of humor. Some like it , some not . I happen to like it , so I also liked "Back to school" . The whole movie is basically Dangerfield's tour de force . He's almost constantly making a snappy comments or fun jokes. He's rarely not on the screen. This doesn't mean the movie not offers him support.

Sam Kinison is fun as professor Terguson history teacher . The first lesson of history of America is HILARIOUS . I was crying from laughter. I wish they give him more screen time. I was surprised by appearance of young Robert Downey Jr. as Derek . He's quite a colorful character with his weird clothes , hairstyles and beliefs. I also loved Burt Young (Paulie from "Rocky") as Lou - Thornton's driver and best friend. His strong and street wise.

Paxton Whitehead (Philip Barbay) makes for a nice snobbish economy teacher. Keith Gordon is likable as shy Jason Melon – Dangerfield's son. Sally Kellerman (Diane) and Terry Farell (Valerie) are both lovely ladies. M. Emmett Walsh plays coach Turnbull . William Zabka (the bully from "Karate kid") once again plays bully (Chas). There is also special guest appearance, but I won't spoil the surprise.

There are some great songs here : Jude Cole "Back to school" , Oingo Boingo "Dead man's party" , Aretha Franklin "Respect" and Rodney Dangerfield's version of "Twist and shout" .

Harold Ramis ("Groundhog day" , "National lampoons vacation" , "Ghostbusters") is one of the writers . He and Dangerfield worked earlier together in "Caddyshack" . There is even a picture from "Caddyshack" in the opening credits of the movie.

This is Dangerfield's best movie from the 80's and best overall. It's one of best 80's comedies. It was one of the first comedies to earn 100 millions worldwide . That tells you something. Oh , and don't forget about the famous jump at the pool.

I give it 7/10.

A funny post-Animal House college film with a pretty distinguished cast. In addition to Dangerfield, who is terrific as usual, we also get to see Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, Ned Beatty, and an introduction to the brilliance of Robert Downey Jr. who is unforgettable as Derek Lutz. Although the movie is silly, lacking any convincing realism or plot, it is nontheless wonderful fun...especially if you are a Dangerfield fan. His rendition of "Twist and Shout" is a classic. And the scene at registration where his chauffeur Lou, played by the redoubtable Young, is priceless when he holds up a sign by the limo with Bruce Springstein's name on it and all the students rush out to mob the car while Dangerfield, his son, his son's love interest, and Lutz have the pick of classes.

Generally good viewing when you want a brainless, fun night.

Back to School (1986) was a surprise hit for stand up comedian actor Rodeny Dangerfield. After making a big impression with audiences with his spot in the golf comedy Caddyshack and a lead role in Easy Money, his star was slowly rising. But it was this film that cemented his spot in American pop culture as a true icon of the 80's and a transition star.

Rodney stars as Thorton Melon (nee Meloni) a successful entrepreneur who had to drop out of school when he was younger to take care of the family business. Years later his son is in college but feel dissatisfied with life in general. After a series of comical events, Mr. Melon decides to visit his son's exclusive university to see how he's really doing. Along the way he decides to give book learning a try.

A very enjoyable film. Rodney Dangerfield made the transaction from a stand-up act to an actor. The director wisely let him improvise his dialog and work in some of his material into the movie. The cast features Sally Kellerman, Robert Downey Jr., Keith Gordon, Burt Young, Terry Farrell and guest star slots for Adrienne Barbeau and Ned Beatty.

Not a masterpiece by any means but an enjoyable film none the less. Recommended, especially on a slow Sunday afternoon.

I was watching on VH1 I love the 80's and Back to School got a mention, I remember seeing it in my mother's VHS collection and I recently saw Easy Money, it was my first Rodney Dangerfield movie and I absolutely loved it. So I decided to go ahead and give Back to School a chance. I really had a good time watching it, I just miss comedies like this where it was dirty or over the top, it was just plain fun to watch and you have a good time viewing the film. Rodney is such a lovable goof and he always makes it look like he and the cast enjoy making these comedies. The story is so crazy, but so hilarious that it makes you wanna go back to school with Rodney and just have a good time with him and his son.

Thornton Melon's father made one thing clear to him at a young age, no matter how old, young, poor, rich you are, education is one of the most important things in life. Well, Thornton has grown into a successful clothes store owner and is very rich and powerful. But when his son, Jason, is discouraged with college, Thornton goes back to school to help encourage his son to get through it. While for Jason it's all studies and trying to fit in, it's all fun and games for Thornton and he's having the time of his life while being the big man on campus.

Back To School is a great comedy that I highly recommend, it's all in good fun and Rodney is just such a great comedian. I just loved it when he was going to the college to visit his son and he accidentally enters the sorority house and walks in on a girl showering and says "Oh, don't worry, you're perfect", lol, I just couldn't stop laughing. Also I loved Keith Gordon in the film, I can't believe this guy didn't make it big in acting, but he just does such a terrific job keeping up with Rodney. Back to School is a fun film and I'm sure you'll have a good time watching it.

7/10

Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) enrolls in college to help his son (Keith Gordon), who's having trouble fitting in. Doesn't take long before Thornton is the big man on campus, which doesn't sit well with everybody. Very funny comedy that never gets old. The cast is wonderful. Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious and his one-liners come one after the other. His best starring role, for sure. Sam Kinison is a riot. Loved every scene he was in. A young Robert Downey, Jr. is also lots of fun. Not for those who overthink their movies. This is for people who like to have fun and laugh. They got Kurt Vonnegut to appear in this! How cool is that? An '80s classic you have to see.