How I Got Into College

May. 19,1989      PG-13
Rating:
5.7
Trailer Synopsis Cast

The simple story of two young Michigan high school students, Jessica, Class President, Local Smart Girl, and object of Marlon's affections attempt to get into a small Pennsylvania college. Jessica fights off her parent's expectation of going to their alma mater of the University of Michigan, while Marlon fights his grades and SAT scores.

Anthony Edwards as  Kip Hammett
Corey Parker as  Marlon Browne
Lara Flynn Boyle as  Jessica Kailo
Finn Carter as  Nina Sachie
Gary Owens as  Sports Announcer (voice)
Charles Rocket as  Leo Whitman
Christopher Rydell as  Oliver
Brian Doyle-Murray as  Coach Evans
Tichina Arnold as  Vera Cook
Bill Raymond as  Flutter

Reviews

Curapedi
1989/05/19

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

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StyleSk8r
1989/05/20

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

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AshUnow
1989/05/21

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

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Hayden Kane
1989/05/22

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

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lost-in-limbo
1989/05/23

Director / writer Savage Steve Holland had churned out some influential 80s teen classics such as the John Cusack starring "Better off Dead" and "One Crazy Sumer". Getting into college or simply choosing what to do after high school is the stepping stone in to the big world. It's a life decision that points you in the direction. Stress… confusion… indecision. Holland beautifully captures this in his third entry (which I never even heard of until now) of this type of teen fodder; "How I got Into College". It might not hold up to his previous efforts, however it's an enjoyably breezy and light-headed finding your feet fable namely sold by its welcomely fresh and sound performances by leads Corey Parker, (a delightfully freckle-faced) Lara Flynn Boyle and Anthony Edwards. Also the support; Finn Carter, Bill Raymond, Philip Baker Hall, Charles Rocket, Tichina Arnold and Christopher Rydell are notably good too.We follow that of Marlon who has his eyes set on the highly respected, top of the class Jessica, but he has never been game enough to confront her. However he sees college the chance to do so. He decides to aim for the same campus she's applying too, but it's not going to be any easy walk through the park.Maybe I didn't find the characters and interactions as memorable and comical as in Holland's earlier films, but there's no doubts that hanging off it is an amusingly witty and creatively inspired script that seems to have that oddball sense despite probably keeping it a tad more in check and favouring the romance sub-plot. It's quite forward and slight but never lets the stereotypical inclusions take over; in doing so it gave it a more random air and warm feeling within its grounded framework. Also there are some amusingly bright cameo roles by Phil Hartman, Nora Dunn, Diane Franklin, Taylor Negron, (playboy model) Rebecca Ferratti and Curtis Armstrong.

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ss97-1
1989/05/24

This is one of those movies that few people seem to know about. And those that do seem to either love it or hate it. I would consider myself on the former curve of that scale, I like it a lot but I don't love it.What this movie is, is a fun and light comedy that only briefly touches on any sort of real world lesson. But it does send a positive message loud and clear. It says that if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen with some hard work and a bit of luck. It does so in a basic way, but nonetheless it makes the point.The movie itself is not filled with huge memorable laughs. There are some common and lame gags, helped along by some big talents like Anthony Edwards and the late great Charles Rocket. But what the movie lacks in classic moments, it makes up for in interesting and sometimes twisted moments that leave you smirking. It is not a laugh fest, but it is a smile maker that will make you chuckle at times.The movie also has a lot of visual gags that often escape attention the first time around. You can see the subtle "Better Off Dead" ties all over the place in style and of course the several actors that were on both movies. The two movies do not really compare beyond that.Lara Flynn Boyle is as lovable as she ever has been in this role. Her portrayal of the All-American "loved by all" High School girl is well done. She and Corey Parker pull off a believable chemistry, as this is probably his defining role. Parker is a good underdog without being an underdog. Its never hard to believe that his character could pull off the things he does by winning over the Prom Queen or getting into the college of his dreams.All in all this movie is a lot of fun and deserves some props. If you like goofy and fun movies you will like this one. If you are looking for Oscar caliber entertainment you will not get past the first scene anyway so you won't care.

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Cate
1989/05/25

Savage Steve Holland's films should be considered gems amongst pop culture comedy. How I Got Into College is one shining example of his few too many films. In this clarified and easygoing flick about college stress, it accurately portrays irrational teenage fears with the help of an endearing front-man, Marlon Brown. The humor is quirky and unexpected, but that's a part of what makes it funny. The best part about Holland's humor is that it is always out of this world and always honest at the same time, creating a world that a lot of people are familiar with in their own heads. This movie can be enjoyed by college hopefuls, kids or old fogeys like my grandpa, who loves it. Some highlights include the young Lara Flynn Boyle, Phil Hartman in his prime and SAT ridicule that will make every high school kid breathe more easily.

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hippiedj
1989/05/26

I enjoy watching How I Got Into College every once in a while, as I do Savage Steve Holland's other two films Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer. Sure, they're all rather tame films on a PG level but Holland has such a great wit and always chooses a wonderful cast. This makes for enjoyable entertainment where you can actually care about the characters and get a few laughs in as well.Corey Parker plays a high school senior intent on winning the affections of class president Lara Flynn Boyle, even by planning on going to what ever college she decides to attend. Sounds like a typical formula for a teen comedy, but instead of guys sneaking peeks at girls in the locker room and burnouts scoring weed, we're treated to a rather charming, breezy comedy about people instead of working a film around breasts, drugs, and the latest favorite band.Cory Parker, Anthony Edwards With Hair, Lara Flynn Boyle, and even supporing players like Nora Dunn and Phil Hartman all do a great job with the light material and with Holland's clever wit, it all adds up to a good time. Sure brought back memories of my adventure into selecting a college.It's really unfair to pick apart this film. It is what it is, light and fun. When there are so many raunchy flicks like Fast Times At Ridgemont high to ad nauseum, it's refreshing to see a film like How I Got Into College to just kick back, watch, and have a smile. No harm in that!

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