Back to School (1986)
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92% of critics liked it
(24 reviews) -
61% of users liked it
(32,254 ratings)
Self-made wealthy guy Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides he needs a better education -- and also to spend some time away from his cheating new wife. Thornton joins his son, Jason (Keith Gordon) at college. Dad hopes to gain his son's respect (isn't that always Dangerfield's… More Self-made wealthy guy Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield) decides he needs a better education -- and also to spend some time away from his cheating new wife. Thornton joins his son, Jason (Keith Gordon) at college. Dad hopes to gain his son's respect (isn't that always Dangerfield's motivation?), while his son tries to fit in with his snobbish and brutish fellow students. English professor Diane Turner (Sally Kellerman) forms a strong bond with Thornton, encouraging both father and son to stick out their first year despite all odds. The finale involves some slapstick at the swimming pool diving board, and the obligatory commencement address delivered by Dangerfield, who proves that he can crack jokes without tugging at his tie. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Alan Metter
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jun 13, 1986 Wide
- Studio
- HBO Video
Critic Reviews
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Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune
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.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
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.
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, Time Out
[An] acceptable time-passer.
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Nina Darnton, New York Times
The film is a good-natured potpourri of gags, funny bits, populist sentiment and anti-intellectualism.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Rodney Dangerfield
as Thornton Melon
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Sally Kellerman
as Diane
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Burt Young
as Lou
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Keith Gordon
as Jason Melon
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Robert Downey Jr.
as Derek
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M. Emmet Walsh
as Coach Turnbull
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Paxton Whitehead
as Philip Barbay
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Adrienne Barbeau
as Vanessa
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Terry Farrell
as Valerie
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William Zabka
as Chas
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Ned Beatty
as Dean Martin
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Severn Darden
as Dr. Barazini
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Sam Kinison
as Prof. Terguson
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Robert Picardo
as Giorgio
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Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
as Himself
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Edie McClurg
as Marge
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Nora Boland
as Agnes
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Kimberlin Ann Brown
as Girl in Dorm Hallway
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Bob Drew
as Bob/Contractor
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Leslie Huntly
as Coed
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James Ingersoll
as Judge
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Becky Le Beau
as Hot-Tub Girl
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Michael McGrady
as Player
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Santos Morales
as Bartender
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Phil Rubenstein
as 1st Executive
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Tim Stack
as Trendy Man
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Steve Sweeney
as Security Guard
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Stacey Toten
as Hot Tub Girl
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John Young
as 2nd Executive
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Brad Zutaut
as Petey
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Danny Elfman
as Oingo Boingo Band Member
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Curtis Stone
as 'Twist & Shout' Band
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Sarah Abrell
as Sorority Girl
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Kristen Aldrich
as Student in Diane's Class
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Dana Allison
as Young Woman
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Eric Alver
as Student at Fraternity Party
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Boris Aplon
as Tony Meloni
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Kimberlee Carlson
as Rodette
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Lisa Denton
as Lisa
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William Grauer
as Drunken Student
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Holly Hayes
as Girl in the Crowd
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Jason Hervey
as Young Thornton
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Tricia Hill
as Lisa's Friend
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John William James
as Man in Stands
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Lisa LeCover
as Rodette
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Theresa Lyons
as Cashier
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Jill D. Merin
as Girl at Dorm Party
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Beth Peters
as Mrs. Stuyvesant
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Josh Saylor
as Student in Diane's Class
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Dallas Winker
as Rodette
