May 21, 2009
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Tickle your ass with a feather?
After National Lampoon's scored a major hit with their 1978 classic Animal House, rival comedy rag Mad Magazine attempted to toss their hat into the proverbial cinematic ring with Up the Academy, a motion picture which proved to be both a critical and a financial disaster. Truth be told, the film isn't as bad as some may claim, though my favorable opinion of this admitted silly flick probably has more to nostalgia than anything else. The story follows the misadventures of a several delinquents who, through their own unique set of bawdy circumstances, are sent to Weinberg Academy, a military school which employs a surprisingly diverse selection of free-roaming sexual deviants. In true 80's fashion, these overly rambunctious teens -- including Karate Kid Ralph Macchio -- participate in a wide range of illegal activities as they lock horns with the devilish Major Vaughn Liceman, a role actor Ron Leibman cherished so much he opted to have his name stricken from the credits. Robert Downey's direction is certainly nothing to write home about, leaving his squadron of capable young thespians to carry the picture on their collective back. The film's cheesy script gives these fine young lads plenty of opportunities to smoke pot, engage in underage sex, and participate in a number of racially insensitive conversations. Thankfully, all of this objectionable matieral is presented in a harmless and light-hearted nature, allowing Up the Academy to slyly overcome its obvious limitations. If Judd Apatow isn't the fan club president, he's a liar.
Recipe For Success: A Snazzy Group Of Young Actors + Mountains Of Political Incorrectness + Alfred E. Neuman
Hurray For Stereotypes: If you're not a fan of movies that poke fun at race, culture, and sexual preference, kindly ignore this film.
Now shine my homosexual shoes, honky.
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