“Old School” (DreamWorks)
“Old School” is another look at college life and the fraternity scene. But this time out it is the frat scene for those over thirty, kind of like “Porky’s” with a little maturity, or “Animal House” ten years later. Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughan and Will Ferrell star in this so-so comedy and seem to be having a good time.
Wilson plays Mitch in the film, a nice guy who is left adrift when he discovers his girlfriend (Juliette Lewis) has friends other than him. Single once more he rents a house on the edge of a college campus. Vaughan plays Beanie, a man who is married but still wants to take part in the single life. Ferrell is Frank, newly married and not ready for the straight life. They join with Mitch to create a fraternity for just about everybody.
The dean of the college (Jeremy Piven) wants them banned but he can’t find a legal way to do it, so he goes for some illegal moves. He is the villain of the piece. But before he can close down the fraternity, there are some funny scenes about hazing and enjoying college life.
The star of the show is Ferrell. He has the craziest scenes and the wackiest character. This is a good role for him in these, his post “Saturday Night Live,” days. He manages to build a true character while at the same time doing wild and outrageous things. Frank is basically an innocent who doesn’t want to hurt anyone, including his wife. He just isn’t ready to grow up.
Wilson plays the straight guy in the story. He is low key all the way. His acting style is subtle humor, not as flamboyant as that of his brother Owen. Plus he has a better nose. Mitch is the center of reason in the movie and Wilson keeps him centered from beginning to end.
Vaughan has the least attention getting role. Beanie is the man behind the scenes, always with a kid in his arms and always with a scheme to get going. Vaughan does a good job with the role but it isn’t a scene-stealer in any sense.
The film is rated R for nudity, profanity and sexual humor.
“Old School” is not a laugh a minute film but a pleasant experience just the same. You won’t be rolling in the aisles but you won’t be bored either. You may just want to wait for the video but if you need a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, this is it.
I scored “Old School” a new 5 out of 10.
