Back to School

In the 80s comedy classic, Back to School, starring Rodney Dangerfield as the lovable, eccentric billionaire Thornton Melon, audiences are taken on a wild ride of laughter and heart. Thornton, a self-made millionaire with a penchant for hard work and wit, recognizes his lack of education as the main obstacle to his true social status. Believing that an Ivy League degree will boost his image, he decides to enroll at Columbia University, where his son Jason, played by Keith Gordon, is a junior. Thornton's decision is met with skepticism from his son Jason, who has grown apart from his father due to their vastly different lifestyles. Jason is a pre-med student who dreams of attending medical school and becoming a doctor. His father's decision to enroll at the same university, however, threatens to disrupt Jason's carefully laid plans. Thornton's antics soon become the talk of the university, as he navigates the challenges of higher education, complete with the struggles of sharing a dorm room with his son. As Thornton embarks on his academic journey, he soon discovers that navigating college is no easy feat. Despite his wealth and influence, he finds himself struggling to fit in, and his lack of knowledge on certain topics becomes a running joke. Thornton's naivety often leads to comedic misunderstandings, as he mistakes a lecture on physics for a discussion of "advanced engineering" and confuses the university's cafeteria with a five-star restaurant. Thornton's most significant challenge comes in the form of his son Jason, who tries to balance his desire to help his father with his need to maintain his independence. Jason's friends at the university, including the charming and witty Chas (Robert Downey Jr.), see Thornton as a source of entertainment, often making fun of his lack of intellectual prowess. As Thornton tries to win his son's respect, Jason becomes increasingly frustrated with his father's antics, feeling that he has become a laughingstock. Despite his best efforts, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, often causing more problems than he solves. However, in a surprise twist, Thornton's unorthodox teaching methods begin to rub off on Jason, who starts to see his father in a new light. As the two share a series of hilarious misadventures, Jason begins to appreciate his father's unique strengths and qualities, including his determination, loyalty, and infectious enthusiasm. As the academic year comes to a close, Thornton and Jason have a heart-to-heart conversation about their differences and values. Jason, who has learned to appreciate his father's contributions to their family, recognizes that Thornton's education is not just about grades and certifications, but about the character and wisdom that he brings to the table. In a poignant turn of events, Jason decides to transfer to a medical school in a different state, but not before giving his father his seal of approval. The movie culminates with Thornton, who has earned his degree, graduating from Columbia University alongside Jason. Despite his initial struggles, Thornton has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and family members, and he finally feels like a truly respected member of society. The film ends on a high note, with Thornton's family and friends celebrating his accomplishments, as the lovable tycoon smiles triumphantly, his degree proudly displayed. Back to School is a timeless comedy classic that explores themes of family, education, and personal growth. Through Thornton Melon's hilarious misadventures, the film shows that true wisdom and knowledge come from life experiences, and that sometimes, it's never too late to learn and grow. With its cast of lovable characters, laugh-out-loud antics, and heartwarming moments, Back to School is a must-see for comedy fans of all ages.