Back to School Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich guy goes to college with his son, parties hard, and somehow passes his classes despite knowing nothing, proving that money can buy you happiness and a diploma.

🍿 Back to School: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Thornton’s Midlife Crisis

Thornton Melon, a wealthy clothing magnate, discovers his son Jason is miserable in college and contemplating dropping out. Fresh off a divorce from his cheating wife, Vanessa, Thornton impulsively decides to enroll in Grand Lakes University alongside Jason to encourage him and relive his own missed college experience. He believes a change of scenery will invigorate both of them.

College Shenanigans and Culture Clash

Thornton’s arrival shakes up the campus. He uses his wealth to throw extravagant parties, hires professionals to complete his coursework, and charms his way into the good graces of his classmates, much to the dismay of Dean Martin and Professor Barbay. His unorthodox approach to education clashes with the traditional academic environment, leading to humorous confrontations and challenges to the established order.

Academic Fraud and Redemption

Thornton’s reliance on external help for his studies eventually catches up with him. Accused of academic fraud, he faces expulsion. With the help of Jason, his roommate Derek, and his bodyguard Lou, Thornton attempts to legitimately study for an oral exam to prove his knowledge. This marks a turning point as he starts to take his education seriously and appreciates the value of hard work.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thornton Melon (Rodney Dangerfield): A wealthy, self-made businessman who enrolls in college to inspire his son and ends up disrupting the academic establishment.
• Jason Melon (Keith Gordon): Thornton’s son, a discouraged college student who finds renewed purpose through his father’s unconventional methods.
• Diane Turner (Sally Kellerman): An English professor who becomes Thornton’s love interest and challenges his approach to education.
• Philip Barbay (Paxton Whitehead): The stuffy and disapproving dean of the business school who serves as an antagonist to Thornton’s antics.
• Lou (Burt Young): Thornton’s loyal bodyguard and chauffeur who provides support and comic relief throughout his college endeavor.
• Derek Lutz (Robert Downey Jr.): Jason’s quirky and politically active roommate who befriends Thornton and aids him in studying.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thornton Melon: “Bring us a pitcher of beer every seven minutes until somebody passes out. And then bring one every ten minutes.” – Thornton orders drinks at a bar, showcasing his boisterous and excessive personality.
• Thornton Melon: “What’s the world you live in…Fantasy Island?” – Thornton challenges Professor Barbay’s unrealistic economic theories with his real-world experience.
• Thornton Melon: “I like teachers. If you do something wrong, they make you do it again.” – Thornton expresses his unconventional appreciation for teachers and learning, highlighting his humorous perspective.
• Thornton Melon: “And remember: the best thing about our kids… is making ’em!” – A classic Dangerfield one-liner, delivered with his signature comedic timing and off-color humor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $91,258,000
• Worldwide Gross: $91,258,000

💥 Back to School Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! It’s pure 80s fun with Rodney Dangerfield at his best. I crack up every time he tries to “learn” or throws those crazy parties. The diving scene is legendary, and the part when he hires Kurt Vonnegut to write a paper is the definition of genius. It just makes me feel good!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s comedies”
  • “Rodney Dangerfield fans”
  • “Viewers who enjoy college-themed movies”
  • “Those who appreciate slapstick and one-liner humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Partying”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Rodney Dangerfield brings his signature brand of self-deprecating humor to the collegiate setting, resulting in a lighthearted and often hilarious romp. While the plot is predictable, the comedic timing and supporting cast elevate the film beyond a simple retread of familiar territory.
• Variety: “Dangerfield shines as the boisterous Thornton Melon, injecting energy and wit into every scene. Though the film occasionally veers into slapstick, the underlying message about family and the value of education resonates. A fun and feel-good comedy that’s sure to entertain.
• RogerEbert.com: “While ‘Back to School’ has its moments of levity, it often relies on tired tropes and predictable gags. Dangerfield’s performance is energetic, but the script lacks the depth and originality needed to make this a truly memorable comedy.

Audience Reactions

Rodney Dangerfield’s over-the-top antics always get big laughs.: Fans consistently praise Dangerfield’s comedic timing and delivery.

The Triple Lindy dive remains an iconic and memorable scene.: Viewers love the over-the-top diving sequence as a perfect example of the film’s humor.

Overall Consensus: A fun and nostalgic 80s comedy carried by Rodney Dangerfield’s signature humor and a strong supporting cast, though it can feel predictable at times.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rodney Dangerfield was an acrobatic high diver in his youth, similar to his character Thornton Melon.”
• “The end credits dedicate the film to Estelle Endler, Rodney Dangerfield’s manager and an executive producer, who passed away during production.”
• “Kurt Vonnegut Jr. makes a cameo as himself, hired by Thornton to write a paper on Vonnegut’s own work.”
• “The movie was filmed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, adding authenticity to the college setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Back to School?

Back to School is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV for rental or purchase. Check local listings as it may also be available on various cable on-demand services. For physical media, it’s available on DVD and Blu-ray through retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Back to School, you might like these similar films:

• Caddyshack (1980): Features Rodney Dangerfield in a similar role as an over-the-top, wealthy disruptor of the establishment.
• Animal House (1978): Classic college comedy with a focus on outrageous behavior and challenging authority, sharing the same spirit of rebellion.
• Old School (2003): Modern comedy where adults return to college, creating similar comedic situations and generational clashes.
• PCU (1994): Cult classic that satirizes political correctness and college life, offering a similar blend of humor and social commentary.

🛒 Back to School Related Products

• Back to School [Blu-ray]: Relive the laughs of ‘Back to School’ with this crisp, high-definition Blu-ray edition. Perfect for enjoying Rodney Dangerfield’s comedic genius in all its glory.
• Rodney Dangerfield: No Respect – The Ultimate Comedy Collection: This DVD collection compiles Rodney Dangerfield’s best stand-up routines and film appearances, including ‘Back to School’, offering hours of comedic entertainment.
• Big & Tall Men’s Clothing – Shop the Look: Inspired by Thornton Melon’s iconic style, shop a wide range of big & tall men’s clothing to channel the fun-loving and confident spirit of the movie.
• 80s Party Decorations: Throw your very own ‘Back to School’ inspired 80s bash with this collection of vibrant decorations and party supplies, including neon colors and retro designs.

🎧 Soundtrack

Back to School features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Back to School” – performed by Jude Cole
• “Dead Man’s Party” – performed by Oingo Boingo
• “Everybody’s Crazy” – performed by Michael Bolton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Regrets of An Accounting Major @zoeunlimited

Ever wonder if you picked the right major? This hilarious video hits close to home, especially if you’re questioning those accounting classes! It’s a fun, quick watch and might make you feel a little better (or worse!) about your own choices.

✨ Rate