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Poster (c) Universal Studios
Paint me surprised and color me unimpressed, the classic slob romp Animal House didn’t bowl me over like it should have. Instead of having streaming, nonstop laughs, it’s just a broad, grossout comedy that at times can be funny, but is usually more fun. I was expecting more of a Vacation feel to it.
Some of the characters in this broad comedy include Pinto (Tom Hulce) and Flounder (Stephen Furst), new recruits into the worst fraternity at Faber College, the Delta House. They are mild-mannered people, with Bluto (John Belushi) as the ringleader. Dean Vernon Wormer (John Vernon) wants to expel everyone at the Delta House for their rambunctious actions. Donald Sutherland comes in as a pot-smoking teacher.
Sometimes I laughed, but mostly I smiled and had fun. Although I couldn’t call it a hilarious comedy, and it’s overrated, it is fun to watch. Its crude acts led to a new genre of movies: the teenage sex comedy. Belushi was funny and gross, but the muckruck of characters made it not as likeable. How this is considered a classic, I don’t know.
Rated R for language, sexuality, and drug use.
Review Date: May 7, 2003