Back to School

Name: Back to School
Genre: Sport, Comedy, Romance
Released: June 13, 1986
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Rodney Dangerfield

1986

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 19 Ratings

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8.6

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8.6	Your Score
8.6	User Score Universal acclaim based on 19 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Orion Pictures | Release Date: June 13, 1986 | PG-13

Starring: Rodney Dangerfield

Summary: Self-made millionaire Thorton Mellon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides to enroll in college to help his son adjust to life at school and on the diving team. Hilarity ensues.

Director: Alan Metter

Genre(s): Sport, Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 96 min

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Critic Reviews

Empire Kim Newman

As vehicles for fat comedians who were big in the States but never exported well go, this self-proclaimed slob comedy is nearly a masterpiece and certainly much better than the comparable Revenge of the Nerds films. Read full review

Dave Kehr

It's a good character for Dangerfield, one that veers him away from the “I don't get no respect” pathos that comes too easily to him, and enough attention is paid to the minimal plot to integrate Dangerfield's classically constructed one-liners into something like a dramatic situation. This is what they mean by “a good vehicle.” Read full review

Roger Ebert

This is exactly the sort of plot Marx or Fields could have appeared in. Dangerfield brings it something they might also have brought along: a certain pathos. Beneath his loud manner, under his studied obnoxiousness, there is a real need. He laughs that he may not cry. Read full review

Gene Siskel

In this very funny Rodney Dangerfield comedy, there has been an important shift in Rodney`s entertainment persona, a shift that has made this small film a monster hit. Read full review

Nina Darnton

The film is a good-natured potpourri of gags, funny bits, populist sentiment and anti-intellectualism. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine

The plot is suitably slight, allowing plenty of room for the barrage of jokes that roll off Dangerfield's tongue. The result is unsophisticated, unilluminating, unambitious, and hilarious. Read full review

Jay Boyar

The most jarring casting mistake (even more jarring than the miscasting of Dangerfield) involves Keith Gordon, who plays Thornton's son. Gordon, who has shown himself to be an intense and quirky actor in such films as Christine and Dressed to Kill, is a smoldering presence in what ought to be a light, comic role. His psycho-killer eyes just don't fit here. Read full review

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User Reviews

LamontRaymond

Apr 29, 2017

This is easily one of the funniest movies of all-time. The scene which sees Thornton Mellon attending the intro to economics class, challenging the teacher at every point - illustrating the real clash between the theoretical and the real world practicalities of running a business - insanelyThis is easily one of the funniest movies of all-time. The scene which sees Thornton Mellon attending the intro to economics class, challenging the teacher at every point - illustrating the real clash between the theoretical and the real world practicalities of running a business - insanely funny. Unlike his roles in Easy Money and Caddyshack, you really get to know Dangerfield's character, and you feel for him. A minor miracle. I'm not going to spoil anything more - just stream it or rent it. One of the best of the era.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

FelicityFenwick

May 18, 2017

I probably saw this movie 10 times in the theater alone. The scene in which Thorton melon challenges his micro economics teacher to explain what a widget is is absolutely priceless. This movie has something of an us against them quality to it, sort of like revenge of the nerds had, andI probably saw this movie 10 times in the theater alone. The scene in which Thorton melon challenges his micro economics teacher to explain what a widget is is absolutely priceless. This movie has something of an us against them quality to it, sort of like revenge of the nerds had, and executes it with a warm heart did satirical tone. Lastly the lien your wife was just showing us her Klympt -after which Rodney responds she showing it to you too? She's showing it to everybody! is hilarious.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

MarcDoyle

May 13, 2017

An absolute classic. I consider it Rodney's magnum opus. What he should be remembered by. Sure, there's Caddyshack, but this film shows the full Rodney. And the supporting cast of 80's favorites is incredible.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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