Valley_Of_Fire

23 May 2013

Several funny parts, but Wilson is mis-cast

I wasn't prepared for how vulgar Old School was. Not that I minded,mind you, but some of it was so frank (for lack of a better word) thatI was thankful many times that I went to see it with a friend, and notwith my parents.That being said, let me say that there are several big laughs in OldSchool, along with some that don't work, some that are missed, and somejokes that are drawn out too long.The best thing about Old School is that the characters don't mature, orlearn life lessons in it. It saves time, and allows for more jokes. Theplot in a nutshell: A man (Luke Wilson) arrives at his house to findhis girlfriend cheating on him (with two guys), so he moves away, neara university (so close he's practically on it). His friends (WillFerrell and Vince Vaughn) decide that it would be a good idea to turnhis house into a frat house, and hold wild parties, etc etc etc. Butthen, the dean, who the guy and his friends had mocked in collegedecides to try and kick them out.What I like about the plot is that everyone likes the idea of a frathouse, except the dean. Wilson's character, who we would expect to holdout for a while, is among the first in the jelly tub wrestling withnude women. The problem with the film is the casting of Wilson. He is atalented actor, as seen in films written by his brother Owen (Rushmoreetc.). He is above the gross out material in this film. He never reallymakes us believe his character's actions. He does stuff, but we justdon't feel his character's heart is into it. The other actors, on theother hand, are perfectly chosen.Mr. Vaughn shows that he is good in all kinds of comedy, from low-browhumor like this to higher-brow like Swingers. He doesn't have a lot ofthe best scenes, but he makes what he's given work. His character isalways seen with his child, and many jokes are made when he has hischild cover his ears ("earmuffs!") so he can swear. I can imagine a guydoing this, so its funny. Far funnier than movies where the kids screamout profanity for laughs.But Will Ferrell is the major find. Almost everything he does creates alaugh in this film, and even if this movie doesn't make a lot of money,he'll be in demand. He does do some gross stuff, the scene where hestreaks, for example, is played out too long, and is too graphic.I said earlier that there are missed jokes. Some of them are so obviousthat they're practically on the tip of the actor's tongues. Forexample, there's a scene when Ferrell's character is debating how heshould dress up his adult blow up doll. A little girl and her motherare standing outside the house, everyone is embarrassed when they hearhim. Doesn't take a genius to have the little girl cry out "I wannaplay with the dolly!" or something like that. I'm going too in depth into the film. For the most part, its veryfunny. There are a few scenes that are unneeded (the previouslymentioned streaking scene is funny, but goes too close to full frontalnudity)- the orgy scene at the beginning could do without the showingof hard-core porn. And the scene where topless girls wrestle is sexy,but isn't needed as well. And the class where women are instructed onhow to do a certain sexual move wasn't funny. Sometimes its muchfunnier to imply something than to show it. That's something thefilmmakers needs to learn.If you like low-brow humor, you'll find a lot to find in this film. Itwill not be up for any awards, it will probably not be remembered in 10years. But if what I said earlier, about graphic sexual situations andthe like, doesn't bother you, then you'll probably like it a lot. Butif you don't like sick humor, you won't like it. If you like anyone inthe cast you'll probably like it- keeping in mind that this isn't likeWilson's more mature work. I debated between giving it a 6 & a 7. Ifyou laughed at the preview, you'll laugh in the film. Just don't go seeit with your parents.

stlhockeyguy02

22 May 2013

A refreshing damn good movie

"Old School" brings back the fun and irreverence of the days of "AnimalHouse" that so few movies seem willing to revisit. Comedy these days seemsbuilt around 'paint-by-numbers' formulas or 'let's see how much we cangrosspeople out' shock characteristics. Current releases like "Boat Trip" and"Bringing Down the House" fall in the former category while any movieinvolving Tom Green or the Farrelly Brothers falls into the lattercategory.In "Old School", it's refreshing to see a movie that takes a 'devil maycare' attitude with its plot and characters while also have the commonsenseto push the envelope where appropriate without ever crossing the line(following "Animal House's" lead).In "Old School", Mitch (played by Luke Wilson) is depressed after abreakupwith his longtime girlfriend. He moves into a new house near the localcollege campus and his two best friends, Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank'the Tank' (Will Ferrell) decide to cheer him up by using his new house tothrow a wild 'freedom' party. In a party complete with nubile co-eds,bingedrinking, and a performance by Snoop Dogg, the party becomes legendary anddraws the ire of the college dean, who just happens to be some nerd thatMitch, Beanie, and Frank tormented in high school. He attempts to take thehouse from Mitch by claiming it can only be used for campus-relatedevents.This sparks Beanie's imagination to create the most unorthodox fraternityinexistence to circumvent the dean's ruling. From there, "Old School"engagesin the type of 'us against the administration' hi-jinx that made "AnimalHouse" such a riot.Will Ferrell gives a performance worthy of John Belushi with hisBluto-esquetake as Frank the Tank, whose relapse back into his college days fractureshis brand new marriage. Yet, it doesn't seem to affect Frank too too much.Ferrell, as witnessed by his years on Saturday Night Live, is one of themore gifted physical comedians performing today. He has the lunacy of aJimCarrey without any of the pretentiousness or self-importance that seems toplague Carrey. Vince Vaughn gives another winning performance as atypical,sleazy salesman type who remains just enough on the side of respectabilitythat you still like the guy. It's classic Vaughn. Luke Wilson'sperformanceisn't quite as memorable, but his lovable-loser demeanor fits the role ofMitch perfectly. There are a number of other supporting characters that,while barely more than one-dimensional, make this film a winner (Blue, the80-year fraternity pledge is a personal favorite).With world events becoming more somber and depressing and with moviesbecoming increasingly disappointing, it's quite a relief a no-frills goodtime can be had at a theater. "Old School" lets the audience feel thatkindof relief.

kewlhat

21 May 2013

great movie

this movie was hilarious, but I know of some older people (i.e. 40's) whodidn't exactly enjoy it. I thought it was actually not as funny asexpected(after seeing the previews) but it was funny enough. great movie forsomeonejust looking to laugh.

David Kohen

21 May 2013

Lots of setup...but no punchlines!

I consider myself to have an off-beat, wacky sense of humour - being abigfan of such films as "Kingpin", "Happy Gilmore" - and my pick forfunniestfilm ever...Adam Sandler's "Billy Madison"."Old School" just wasn't funny. I fidgeted a lot in this film. I lookedatmy watch a lot. I felt embarrassed to have recommended we see this to myfriends who accompanied me. I felt confused when the audience laughed atanold man dropping dead in a pool of jelly. I felt confused when theaudiencelaughed at a man shooting himself in the neck with a dart gun and fallinginto a swimming pool.Every scene in this film had a reasonable "comic" build-up. But everyscenefailed to deliver any sort of punchline. Vince Vaughn still had that"Swingers" spark, but the script just gave him nowhere to go. He wouldhavebeen funnier if he'd been left to ad-lib! Being from the UK, I wasn'tfamiliar with Will Farrell, but I found him annoying and rude, ratherthanwacky or funny.Avoid this at all costs...I guarantee whatever you do instead will be abetter use of your 90 minutes than this unfunny lame rubbish. If you'reafter a good wacky comedy, go rent "Billy Madison" (which features asimilarbut far funnier climax) or "Kingpin" with Woody Harrelson.p.s. only thing that was good was Snoop Dog's cameo performing a coverversion of Eric B and Rakim's classic 80s rap "Paid in Full" -unfortunatelythe cameo was far too short.

CocaCola18

20 May 2013

Probably a bad film....

...but I love Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell to much to care... I lovedthismovie!!!...It's the little things you know! Vaughn is very much like hischaractersTrent in "Swingers" and Ricky in "Made"...but that's a very goodthing!Will Ferrell performed his best effort since leaving SNL and could well bearound for a long time!Todd Phillips sticks to the same formula as Road Trip in many ways, wecouldcertainly tell this was a "Todd Phillips Film"It's the little things like Will Ferrell's wedding portrait in thebackground and The Dan Band that make this film even better!I know it's faults* Halfway through the movie it begins to lose its humour* The unrealistic cameos7/10

20 May 2013

Old School ... the laughs just never stop

Before ever viewing the outrageous comedy with a star studded line-up in "Old School," I went in with an open mind, not expecting to be blown away, but only expecting to simply "like" it. I felt like any movie starring Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn is at least worth watching. Within the first 5 minutes of the movie I had cracked my first laugh, a subtle laugh that seems to be ongoing through out the entire film.The basic storyline of the movie is about one of three middle aged men who moves directly onto a college campus into a house that would soon become one of the biggest party houses the college had ever seen. The house is later threatened to be rezoned by the university because it is not providing for the school in any way. The three men then decide to form a fraternity, which leads to a series of outrageous and hilarious events that all the members of the fraternity experience. The movie never loses interest; there is funny part after funny part, and even a couple of guest star appearances. "Old School" is hands down one of the funniest comedies I have ever seen. The star studded lineup adds a lot to this movie and makes it that much more entertaining for me personally because I recognize each of the characters from different movies or shows. There are non-stop hilarious scenes from the movie, the laughs just never stop. I would recommend this outrageous comedy above any other, I guarantee you wont find a dull moment. It is a movie that can easily be seen more than once, and will leave you with more and more laughs each time you see it.

15 May 2013

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA...

I know several persons in their early 30's that will tell you that this movie is closer to a true story than you think...A midlife traumatic break up mixed with lots of partying and little self-control.Once again a movie with one of my favorite people, Will Ferrell. He has a way of stealing every scene that he is in, and this movie is no different. Together with mr "i talk all the time" Vince Vaughn and "i look insecure no matter what" Luke Wilson they are a very good comedic gang. I watched the unrated edition on dvd and of course they have tried to put as many pairs of breasts they can get away with :) But this is a simple and funny movie. Will Ferrel goes streaking through the city, Sean William Scott does a small role as an abusive animal trainer and Snoop does a cameo. All in all i think people will enjoy this movie. Although it is not exceptionally good, it is good enough to have a few laughs and enjoy yourself.

15 May 2013

Too funny for words....

I went into seeing this movie with a poor attitude, considering that most movie they claim now a days, funny, are really poor in plot and usually never make me laugh. I found this movie to be funny and had me rolling on the floor a couple of times, I would recommend this to people that are sick of funny movies, not being so funny afterall.

Big O-7

14 May 2013

Great Initiate into a Great Tradition!

I laughed for a good 60 to 70 minutes during this film. It starts right atthe beginning and really does not let up. Critics are really funny aboutthis film ... they seem to take shots at the movie because it's not somestuffy MIRAMAX-let's-buy-us-an-Oscar-type film, yet they all admit that theylaughed?!? It's a film can not be a comedy for the sake of being a comedy. Films thatmake an audience laugh this much should be hailed and notpilloried.

14 May 2013

DVD versions better

This review is from: Old School (Unrated and Out of Control!) [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Can u believe that there are more extras in the DVD version?it's true.. i own both.

will lake

04 May 2013

Very Funny

This film was great, a very worthy 7/10.The whole film was hilarious, at times I couldn't stop laughing. Ilaughed or smiled pretty much continuously for the whole film. It wasonly a 7/10 because it isn't going to go down as a fantastic comedy andI probably won't go out of my way to watch it again. It was a lighthearted comedy, very typical of Will Ferrell.Although the film was funny, it wasn't good enough to stand out fromthe crowd, as did American Pie amongst others. The idea was good and itwas executed well.I would definitely recommend this to anybody, if you like silly comedyfilms then you will like this one!

rob o'cop

03 May 2013

embarrassingly stupid, unfunny, aggressive toss

highly disappointed with this movie. the good cast and some goodreviews here lead me to believe there were going to be at least a fewgood lines and set ups but I sat there for the duration of the moviewith a stunned look on my face wondering who in hell finds this lame,aggressive, and dull film entertaining. It was incredibly labored andseemed to affectionately long for frat days, which just seemed violentand stupid. I can't say I hated this movie because for that I'd have toactually have cared one way or the other about it. it was just dumb(and not in a good way like dumb and dumber) and ultimately a boringwaste of a couple of good hours. Juliet lewis??? what were youthinking?

JMitch32

29 April 2013

A Really Funny Movie

I was expecting a hilarious movie from the creators of Roadtrip and I wasnot disappointed. Will Farrell and Vince Vaughn are excellent and LukeWilson was surprisingly humorous. I was laughing out loud throughout themovie.

Rob

29 April 2013

Some laughs, but nothing spectacular

If you're expecting something original and ground breaking from thismovie,save your money. I didn't care much for Luke Wilson or Jeremy Piven, butWill Ferrell and Vince Vaughn saved this one, along with some smaller (andsurprising) names that popped up (Andy Dick, Craig Kilborn). Not ALL ofthesmall roles were as funny as they could have been (Sean William Scott, whoonly generates laughs due to his haircut) I don't want to seem too downonthe movie, because I DID enjoy it. Maybe not a film for everyone, and abitpredictable, but it's a comedy! To me, the laughs are more important thanthe story, so don't be too picky about it, and try to have fun when youwatch it. To me, this falls into the "rental" category. Worth seeing,butdon't spend an arm and a leg to see it at the theater.

lauranb

27 April 2013

Doesnt make you think, but does make you laugh.

I went and saw this on the advice of my younger brother. He said that WillFarrell made the movie. I have to agree, but the additions of Vince Vaughnand Luke Wilson makes it even better. I don't think I stopped laughingthrough out this movie. I left with a headache and sore sides. I thinkthat I will fall asleep thinking of Will Farrell doing his floor routine to"Chariots of Fire". I think this movie was well done without being tootwisted or vile. I have to say that this is the funniest film I have seenthis year. I give it 10/10.

macjoubert

26 April 2013

Bland and Boring

Being a Will Ferrell fan I had to watch this movie, but sadly it turnedout to be extremely weak on many fronts.Acting from the lead characterswas the sole exception.On the whole the story and comedy routines wereflat out boring, and for a movie hinging on comic appeal this was fartoo slow for any positive momentum buildup. Of the actors Vince VaughnI think stole the show with some creative, smooth talking of his linesthat blended quite well with his character. Luke Wilson was the oneweakness this movie had in its actors and they should have lookedelsewhere to another actor for this role. Overall a watchable film butnothing really to write home about.

RitchCS

23 April 2013

Not the worst film of the year...the worst film ever!!!

If AFI ever does a list of the 100 worst films, I nominate "Old School" asbeing the worst film of all time!! I wanted to laugh. I was ready to laugh.God knows, I tried to laugh, but there was nothing to laugh at. However, inthe unrated version on DVD, the airline ticket seller had ONE funny line atthe end of the scene. Finally, I had ONE laugh...but then, those who paid tosee the film in the theatre never got to see the deletedscenes.The movie took on the role of an "idea" session among script writers."Wouldn't it be funny if Will Farrell streaked across town?" "Wouldn't it befunny if Andy Dick taught a class of a half dozen housewives how to perfectoral sex with raw vegetables" "BOY! THAT WOULD BE A HOOT!", "Wouldn't itfunny if the token black student weighed 400 pounds and fell off a roof witha concrete block tied to his penis?" "Man, that would have 'em rolling inthe aisles!" "What if Vince Vaughn were not just manipulative...but MEAN andLOUD and let him overact?" "Gee, that's funny just thinking aboutit!"These inane ideas were mulled over by a one shot director/producer/writer/bitpart player who has no concept of what's funny and what's ridiculous. DIDN'T Spielberg or anyone at Dreamworks see this piece of excrement beforethey decided to release it? Everyone had a good time making the film. Toobad they didn't keep the audience in mind. In my lifetime I've seen over10,000 films and NONE of them come close to "Old School" as being the worstfilm ever made. It made me want to rush out and rent "Ishtar" for comicrelief.

22 April 2013

Pretty Darn Funny!

How can this movie not be funny with a cast like this??I thought this movie was great! It's just one of those funny movies that could actuall happen, but probably won't. Everybody in the cast was great; I love Luke Wilson. I think this movie started off not being too terribly funny, but as the movie went on, there were more laughs. However, it wasn't the funniest movie i've seen...and that's why I give it 4 stars.

kibler@adelphia.net

19 April 2013

Dopey, raucous, crude frat-comedy Old School isnt fresh, but its laughs are hilarious

Old School (2003) Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Jeremy Piven,Ellen Pompeo, Juliette Lewis, Leah Remini, Perrey Reeves, Sean WilliamScott, Andy Dick, D: Todd Phillips. Average comedy about three buddies intheir early 30s reliving their college years when one of them suggestsforming their own fraternity-by bringing together middle-aged guys,university misfits, and an 89-year-old retiree-but an old foe, now the Deanof Students holds a grudge against them. Good casting, some very funny linesand situations, and the crudity is more restrained than usual, but withouttelling, it's simultaneously naïve and covers no new ground as the ANIMALHOUSE school. This movie definitely separates the men from the boys. Fact:Ferrell doesn't do well with nudity, in his streaking scene. Snoop Dog,Warren G., The Bishop Don Magic Juan, and Phillips all give cameos.Available in unrated version, which runs 2 minutes longer. Running Time: 90minutes and rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language. ** ½

bighed227

19 April 2013

Instant Classic

This is one of the funniest and well-written movies ever made. Thecasting,from Luke Wilson (who was incredible as Mitch)to Jeremy Piven (his bestcomedic effort, very underrated) could not have been more perfect. VinceVaughn was amazing with his cutting dry wit. And, of course the drunkenteddy-bear performance by Will Ferrell was unforgettable. But along withagreat cast with tremendous chemistry you have to have great writing,directing, and performances by everyone in every role to achieve classicstatus. This movie has done that. Critics of this comedy heavyweightseeit again and look a bit deeper, it is wonderful. Surely it will bequotedat parties as often as Animal House was or even as much as Caddyshack isquoted on golf courses. It should only gain momentum as time goes by andpeople get to see it again and again (the more you see it, the funnier itis). It will become one of those movies where if it's on you can't turnitoff.