A run down of three of the best college movies you should watch, if you haven’t already.
1) Animal House
The USA pretty much owns the college movie. The USA also has these things called fraternities, which we here in Ireland do not (though a few Trinity heads recently attempted to set one up – how did that go for ye, lads?) From what I have discerned from college movies, a fraternity or sorority involves a lot of horrible hazing, then a lot of wild “partying” in a house with a Greek symbol over the door. Cool, I guess, if you’re into that sort of thing. Starring John Belushi (best known as Jake Blues, one half of The Blues Brothers) Animal House has been dubbed the ultimate college film. It tells the story of the Delta Tau Chi House, who try to save their fraternity with a series of zany pranks. Animal House is probably responsible for any toga parties ever held in any college ever. Sigh.
Key quote: “Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?!”
2) Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde was made in what film blog Ultraculture (which you should definitely check out) calls the golden period of teen movies – from 1995 to 2004. That’s why, over ten years later, it’s still just as funny as it was when it was released. Who knew at the time that Reese Witherspoon, playing bubbly sorority girl Elle Woods, would go on to win an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in Walk The Line? Only the hardest hearts wouldn’t be compelled to cheer when Elle finally cracks the Brooke Windham case with her knowledge of perms. And you know what? It has a pretty cool message too – being feminine/concerned about your appearance does not mean you are stupid. Who said the filums never taught you anything?
Key quote: “BEEENNND AND SNAP!” of course, but also “How long have you been sleeping with Ms Windham?” “Three months.” “And your boyfriend’s name is?” “Chuck.”
3) The Social Network
While it doesn’t really feel like a college movie, The Social Network is at its heart a film about a guy trying to get popular by doing something a bit crazy. Except it’s about Mark Zuckerberg, who created Facebook while still in college. How cruel is it that his biggest achievements distracts so many others from achieving anything at all? But I digress. Written by Aaron Sorkin (of The West Wing/The Newsroom fame), the brilliance of this film is probably down to the dialogue, which flies back and forth between the characters at a rate of knots. The acting is pretty stellar too – love or hate Jesse Eisenberg, the scene in which Zuckerberg coldly destroys the Winklevii and their lawyer is riveting. Plus Andrew Garfield is in it, so.
Key quote: “Did I adequately answer your condescending question?” Or, if you’re on Eduardo’s side: “You better lawyer up, asshole, because I’m not coming back for 30%. I’m coming back for everything.”
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