Road Trip (Dreamworks, R)
Starring Breckin Meyer, Sean William Scott and Tom Green
Rating:
Two stars - Some funny parts, but too many instances that make you want to go *cough*ripoff*cough*
The only sweeter words to a college student than "road trip" may be "free tuition." And maybe "free beer." Well, "road trip" is up there, at least.
No, the creative forces behind "Road Trip"aren't depicting the mass exodus of NIU students home to their mommies' home cooking. Rather, the story is a glimpse of all the craziness that could be with Tom Green as a friend, gratuitous nudity abound and living lives without fear of crossing over "politically correct" lines.
Actually, "Road Trip" manages to entertain, despite the sophomoric humor, implausible storylines and cop-out "senior citizens on weed" cliches. Those out for high-brow contemplation of the college student's role in contemporary society will be disappointed, but as the characters in this movie would say, "What losers!"
Josh (Breckin Meyer) is one of those lovesick boys that enters college already in a major relationship. The problem is that he is schooled at Ithaca College in New York while his sweetie Tiffany (Rachel Blanchard) resides at the University of Austin in Texas. While calls every waking minute are nice, Josh begins to doubt his significant other's fidelity.
To ease his problems, he can just watch his wacky friends at work. Among them is "insensitive uproarious R-rated sex comedy king" Sean William Scott, who charmed audiences as Stiffler in "American Pie" and plays nearly the exact same character here.
In addition, Tom Green plays, well, that guy that never seems to graduate from college. While there are hints of the insane actions from his television show, Green is not a focal point. He is prominent in the advertising to bring in all the crazy 17-year-olds which make up the target demographic.
But as many college students soon learn, long distance relationships fall apart just as quickly as phone bills skyrocket. Josh falls for temptation in the form of Beth (Amy Smart), a breath of fresh air in his life. Unfortunately, through a chaotic series of events, their "getting to knoweach other better sans clothes" is recorded onto video tape and sent to Tiffany in Texas.
To nip this problem in the bud, Josh, two friends and a dorky kid with the car decide to drive to Texas for the weekend and intercept the videotape. Green is left behind to act goofy and get into trouble, like "Home Alone" with a college kid.
Then, and even crazier series of events unfold, which leads to wacky hijinks and even a little male bonding. Along the way, they find time to make fun of sorority girls, the blind, African American fraternities, overweight people and overbearing parents. In between are a whole mess of erections, bare breasts and put-downs. This movie is not necessarily approved by the American Civil Liberties Union, or even a Good Taste Union.
One plot thread which is especially vicious features Jacob (Anthony Rapp), who once was a hilarious nerd in "Dazed and Confused." Here he is a TA, wearing a "God is Awesome" T-shirt, aiming to keep Josh down by failing him in a philosophy class. What about all the cool TAs out there, working hard and teaching wonderfully? C'mon, we're heading towards finals week, brownnosing IS an option.
Those who aren't offended by the poor-taste themes are going to have a ball at "Road Trip." The major problem is going to be keeping the younger Tom Green fans from sneaking into the movies. And just like raod trips and limited clothing, that is a real characteristic of the summer.
Originally published in the 5/4/00 edition of the Northern Star.
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