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In the mid-1980s, standup comic Rodney Dangerfield underwent a renewed wave of popularity, finding a surprisingly enthusiastic baby-boomer audience. What else to do but make a movie that shows off Dangerfield's alternately knowing and boorish humor? This may not be on the AFI list of great films, but it delivers laughs aplenty in its story of a rough-edged tycoon who made his fortune in clothes for the stout and tall and decides to attend college in order to be closer to his son (Keith Gordon). There's not much plot, but lots of room for Dangerfield's one-line riffs. The goggle-eyed comic veteran displays surprising charm, enough to make his romance with professor Sally Kellerman believable. Look for cameos by late comedian Sam Kinison and author Kurt Vonnegut Jr.--Marshall Fine

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Cast: Ned Beatty, Robert Downey Jr., M. Emmet Walsh, Rodney Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, Keith Gordon
Director: Alan Metter
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Screen Writer: Rodney Dangerfield, Harold Ramis, Dennis Snee, Greg Fields, Peter Torokvei
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2003
Runtime: 96 minutes
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)

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14 Ratings: +2.7

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review by Captain_Couth. May 19, 2009

The reinvention of Rodney Dangerfield

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 … more

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review by MichaelN. March 23, 2009

Rodney at his Funniest!

Rodney plays Thornton Mellon, a successful businessman married to Vanessa (Adrienne Barbiou) who fools around with any man she can find. Thornton does not really care because he is worried that his son Jason is failing in college and may drop out. In order to keep his son in school, Thornton has to go there himself and do something he has never done - study for himself. Thornton's problems are compounded by Phillip, the know-it-all Business professor … more

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review by MichaelN. January 27, 2005

posted in Movie Hype

Rodney at his best!

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review by TomBenton. September 13, 2003

3.0 out of 5

In the mid 1980's, Rodney Dangerfield had a surge of popularity, after starring in hits like CADDYSHACK and EASY MONEY. BACK TO SCHOOL is arguably his second-best film, in which Dangerfield portrays an obnoxious businessman who goes back to school, with the intentions of helping his discouraged son (Keith Gordon). There's enough jokes and comedy in here to last the whole film, thus it's very, very entertaining. Dangerfield is great, displaying a type of charm as he attempts to start a relationship … more

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see all Back to School (1986) reviews (4)

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