With Honors (1994)

17% of critics liked it
(23 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(20,239 ratings)

Harvard University graduate Alek Keshishian directed this tale about a homeless man who teaches some snotty Harvard students a thing or two about real life. Monty (Brendan Fraser) is a self-absorbed graduate student who is obsessed with finishing his thesis on government so that he can satisfy his… More Harvard University graduate Alek Keshishian directed this tale about a homeless man who teaches some snotty Harvard students a thing or two about real life. Monty (Brendan Fraser) is a self-absorbed graduate student who is obsessed with finishing his thesis on government so that he can satisfy his demanding teacher, Professor Pitkannan (Gore Vidal). When Monty loses his precious thesis in the basement of the library's heating plant, it is found by a homeless man living there, Simon (Joe Pesci). Simon agrees to return the thesis one page at a time in return for certain favors. The relationship with the bearded vagabond changes Monty's view of life, and it also affects his housemates, who include Everett (Patrick Dempsey), a wisecracking radio host; Courtney (Moira Kelly), who is immature and sex-obsessed; and the studious nerd Jeff (Josh Hamilton). Simon becomes something of a father figure to Monty, argues history with Professor Pitkannan, and provides an earthy balance to the overly academic viewpoint of the students. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Alek Keshishian
Written By: William Mastrosimone
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 29, 1994 Wide
On DVD: May 18, 1999
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Austin Kennedy, Sin Magazine
This movie is predictable from scene one, though that wouldn't be a problem if it had a good script, good performances and solid direction. But it doesn't.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A politically correct, vastly sentimental and ultimately insincere saga of the friendship between a kind homeless man, played by Joe Pesci, and a guilt-ridden Harvard student, played byBrendan Frazer.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Obviously inspired by the success of Scent of a Woman, this one could have been called Scent of a Bum.
Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
Do you amuse me, Joe Pesci? No, you do not.
Fred Topel, About.com
Well meaning drama but oversimplifies a lot and plays the death card too easily.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
One of the few films I've ever walked out on. Pesci and Fraser serve up unsympathetic and grating characters.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A great drama, I saw this for a class, which usually makes you dislike a movie, but this one was fantastic. The story is based on a real story, and the actors are good, and it's just so cool. If you like dramas, you have to see it.
Jason S

I liked this one. The cast was really good and it gave Pesci a chance to shine while not being a goofball or a gangster. The rest of the cast was really good and the story moved along really well.
Dean M

Very interesting drama about a homeless philosopher who teaches blue-blooded Harvard student about life and compassion. This great story is predictable, even when it takes a tear-jerking turn, but Joe Pesci's cocky charm and the remarkably attractive supporting ensemble keep… More
Very interesting drama about a homeless philosopher who teaches blue-blooded Harvard student about life and compassion. This great story is predictable, even when it takes a tear-jerking turn, but Joe Pesci's cocky charm and the remarkably attractive supporting ensemble keep things interesting.
Lafe F

Joe Pesci is a smelly bum who is blackmailing Brendan Fraser with the threat of burning his thesis paper, in exchange for a place to stay at Harvard. It turns out the bum is smarter than he looks. It's a funny touching story akin to "Down and Out in Beverly Hills",… More
Joe Pesci is a smelly bum who is blackmailing Brendan Fraser with the threat of burning his thesis paper, in exchange for a place to stay at Harvard. It turns out the bum is smarter than he looks. It's a funny touching story akin to "Down and Out in Beverly Hills", "The Dead Poets Society" and "The Breakfast Club".
Michael G

Aside from Moira Kelly I couldn't care. I want to say I paid $1.50 and felt kind of ripped off.
Dannielle A

A witty, philosophical movie about what is important in life. Sometimes we make certain things more important than what really counts.
Deb S

A homeless man Joe Pesci living under a library at Harvard blackmails Harvard student Brendan Fraser into giving him anything he wants after Pesci obtains pages from one of Fraser's senior thesis. Fraser, terrified, does all that Pesci asks for and lets Pesci move in with him and… More
A homeless man Joe Pesci living under a library at Harvard blackmails Harvard student Brendan Fraser into giving him anything he wants after Pesci obtains pages from one of Fraser's senior thesis. Fraser, terrified, does all that Pesci asks for and lets Pesci move in with him and his three college friends (Moira Kelly, Patrick Dempsey and Josh Hamilton). A film with good intentions that entertains and tries to show that the things that are most important are not always the first priorities in our lives! Of course the biggest question is at a school as prestigious and select as Harvard how can Pesci who is just a misunderstood, hidden genius live under the library with no one finding out?
Leo L

A favorite. Love watching this every now and then. Great! Memorable scene: {Beginning: Everett on the radio} "You too can rule the world. You just have to crush everyone first."