Watch Back to School
- PG-13
- 1986
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.7 (37,008)
Back to School is a classic 1986 comedy film directed by Alan Metter and starring the late, great comedian Rodney Dangerfield. The movie tells the story of Thornton Melon, a successful businessman who decides to return to college after his wife leaves him for a younger man. Thornton enrolls at his son's alma mater, Grand Lakes University, and quickly becomes the most talked-about student on campus.
Thornton is not your average college student, and he makes this clear from the start. He arrives on campus in a limousine, dressed in a full suit and carrying a briefcase. He even has a personal assistant, who accompanies him everywhere he goes. His eccentric behavior and larger-than-life personality quickly make him a hit with his classmates, who are thrilled to have a real-life millionaire among them.
As Thornton settles into college life, he decides to use his wealth and connections to help his son's struggling diving team. He hires a legendary gymnast, Coach Sam, to train the team to victory, but their progress is hindered by a rival coach who will stop at nothing to keep Grand Lakes from winning.
Throughout the movie, Thornton bumbles his way through college, struggling with academics and dealing with the other students' jealousy and resentment. He also finds himself falling for his literature professor, Dr. Diane Turner, played by Sally Kellerman. The two embark on a romance, despite her reservations about being involved with a student.
As the diving team prepares for the big championship, Thornton also has to deal with his ex-wife's attempts to take his money and run. With everything on the line, Thornton must prove that he's more than just a rich guy with connections and show everyone that he's got what it takes to succeed in college and in life.
Back to School is a classic '80s comedy that is still beloved to this day. Rodney Dangerfield's performance is pitch-perfect, and he delivers some of the most memorable one-liners in the movie's history. The film's supporting cast, including Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, and Robert Downey Jr., is also top-notch and adds to the movie's comedic charm.
One of the movie's standout scenes involves Thornton giving a speech in his business class about his experiences in the real world. The speech is hilarious and heartfelt, and it perfectly encapsulates the movie's message about the importance of practical knowledge and life experience.
Overall, Back to School is a hilarious and heartwarming movie that has stood the test of time. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves '80s comedies or wants to see Rodney Dangerfield at his best.
Back to School is a 1986 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 68.