Sandcooler
"PCU" is the typical story of a movie that got slaughtered at the box office, but somehow still found an audience afterwards. It's not difficult to see why it didn't take of right away: it's really sort of a thinking man's college comedy. It utterly refuses to go down the usual gross-out route (it's a great route, but still), but instead tries to be a biting satire. Some of the stuff is pretty good (protesting against protests!), other stuff falls flat but you still appreciate the effort. The actors are sort of a mixed bag, but Jeremy Piven owns the movie with a charismatic performance as the token rebel. I'm assuming Megan Ward was also great, I was distracted by her intense 90s hotness. There aren't that many gags overall, but the brutal style of the thing definitely makes it stand out. "PCU" may not be the hidden gem of 90s comedies some have tried to make of it, but I'm happy it's still around.
clavalon
One of the best attempts at recreating the legendary iconography that is Animal House. This movie is full of quotable quotes and less than known actors at the time. Check it out if only for Jeremy Piven, Jon Favreau and Jake Busey in an amusing cameo as a stoner/ultimate Frisbee player. Favreau and Piven's interaction recalls old comedy schtick but in a very endearing way. The appearance of George Clinton makes the movie worth watching if only for the party scene. And if you didn't already think the soundtrack to hell was going to be Starland Vocal Band here in lies a scene to convince you otherwise. David Spade should not be overlooked in his role as a preppy frat boy wanna-be and his rant about all of the PC sects at the end of the movie is completely priceless. This movie though much overlooked is a cult classic and should be well recognized in the pantheon of college themed flicks.
xredsunrisesx
I'd just like to say that this isn't a direct comparison of Animal House but lets be honest there is only so much to do on a college campus film except pranks, drinking, party's, and all around obnoxious fun behavior. This film pulls it off in every direction. Great acting, hysterical characters and quick dialogue followed up by an awesome soundtrack. This is definitely a must see for all fans of screwball college movies such as: Animal House, Revenge of the Nerds, Back to School and so on. Jeremy Piven delivers an outstanding lead comedic roll (despite creative confinement, listen to his audio commentary for more about that). David Spade has always played a great jerk if you'll excuse the oxymoron. These two veterans of comedy go to show how well they preformed in their earlier film carries as well as now. So don't hesitate if your down with funny, fast passed slapstick comedy throw this one in your DVD player.
Tiger_Mark
Good talent assembled here. Spade is at the top of his game. Piven is very natural and Favreau is strong as usual. However, the film as a whole tends to disappoint. It just tries too hard to be the "Animal House" for a new generation. The problem is there is no real story, at least not one that you care about. Coupled with this is way too many weaker actors getting way too much camera time. Spade disappears for way too long, when he is obviously carrying the film. Moreover, there is also a lack of affection for the characters here. Oh yeah, it was meant to be a stinging indictment on "political correctness" run amok. The problem is that the main characters, the supposed good guys, are a bunch of jerks that are simply trying to be cool. They are not cool! You will laugh at some scenes, laugh hard. However, then you will see five minutes of garbage that is just lame. Could have been a lasting movie, well, no, probably not.
AD
