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Poster for Back to School

Back to School

He enrolled in college for the pursuit of finer things...like co-eds, shapely professors, fun and rock and roll.

1986 · 1h 36m · PG-13 Comedy
Directed by Alan Metter

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Overview

Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
86%
Tomatometer
Rotten

The vibes, here, are all wrong, and Dangerfield's unique timing is disrupted in most scenes.

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
Rotten

I mean no disrespect to Rodney Dangerfield in suggesting that Back to School is a comedy that belongs back on the drawing board.

Desmond Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

Dangerfield seems to be setting the film's brisk pace and flawless timing himself.

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

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.

Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune
Fresh

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.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

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