How I Got Into College

Last week, I read a great article about director Savage Steve Holland and his cult classic Better Off Dead. Dead was a flop initially, but found a loyal fan base once it was on video and cable. Unfortunately, his other films haven't been able to find that kind of following. Today, I'm going to look back at one of those, 1989's How I Got Into College.

Marlon, Corey Parker, is a high school senior and total daydreamer. Unsure of his future plans, Marlon decides to apply to the exclusive Ramsey College to follow his longtime crush Jessica, Lara Flynn Boyle. Knowing that his chances are slim with the school, he enlists the help of two shady recruitment aides, Phil Hartman and Nora Dunn, to help him try to win over the admissions crew. Most of them write him off, except Kip, Anthony Edwards, who see's Marlon's potential and creativity. He just has to convince the rest of the board.

Holland was a director for hire on this, and it kind of shows. It's the weakest of his feature films. That being said, it still has a lot of Holland touches that make his films so enjoyable.

Parker and Boyle are ok. Honestly, Parker has always been kind of a poor man's Mathew Broderick to me. The supporting cast is great however, especially Hartman and Dunn. Holland even throws in some of his regular players like Curtis Armstrong, Diane Franklin, and Taylor Negron in some funny bit parts.

Not a terrific movie, but an enjoyable enough time killer.

It's available on dvd.