We've always loved watching them, and we always will. Movies on the lives and experiences of college students are watched and quoted by viewers of all ages, especially our generation. Although we may not know it, we can learn from these flicks and apply them to our lives while at Mizzou and beyond. Here are a few of my favorites and things to take away from them. Also, some of these are a little old and relatively unknown with our age’s audience, but if you haven’t seen them, I would highly recommend doing so.
Real Genius (1985). I understand if you haven’t seen this movie, but it does have some great moments. The movie is about (an extremely young) Val Kilmer as a super genius/slacker that gets revenge on his teacher for stealing his project for the CIA. The movie teaches us that getting good grades and having a good time while doing it is completely attainable.
Accepted (2006). Although one of the main antagonists in this movie is a fraternity, this is still a personal favorite of mine. In case you haven’t seen it, the movie is about a recent high school grad that is rejected to every school he applied. His response to this is making his own college that is controlled by him and his friends. This movie gives us the idea that if you don’t like how something is done, do it your own way. Sometimes, the most successful people aren’t the ones who get the best grades in school.
Back to School (1986) & Old School (2003). It is never too late do learn or try something new. I’m guessing everyone reading this has seen the movie Old School, so I’m just going to assume you get the parallel here. Back to School, on the other hand, is one that not many have seen. It stars comedy legend, Rodney Dangerfield, as he goes to college to prove that anyone can succeed in college, even his struggling son. This movie also shows that with a little hard work and commitment, anyone can succeed. Besides, who doesn’t love a Rodney Dangerfield movie?!
The Paper Chase (1973). In this Oscar-winner, a first-year Harvard Law student clashes with an esteemed professor, as he must survive the professor’s harsh class and law school in general. This film shows you just how terrible life after college really is, and how we need to avoid it as long as possible (at least that’s my interpretation of it). Plus, it gives you a pretty good idea of what college students looked like in the 70s.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978). I’m not sure if this movie contains any applicable real-life advice, but how could I leave one of the greatest comedies of all time off a list on college movies? The main takeaway from this flick is something like this: college is meant to be a good time. However, I would advise you to not get kicked out of school; that would be the ultimate buzzkill.
