Synopsis:Harvard University graduate Alek Keshishian directed this tale about a homeless man who teaches some snotty Harvard students a thing or two about real life. Monty (Brendan Fraser) is a self-absorbed graduate student who is obsessed with finishing his thesis on government so that he can satisfy his demanding teacher, Professor Pitkannan (Gore Vidal). When Monty loses his precious thesis in the basement of the library's heating plant, it is found by a homeless man living there, Simon (Joe Pesci).
Simon agrees to return the thesis one page at a time in return for certain favors. The relationship with the bearded vagabond changes Monty's view of life, and it also affects his housemates, who include Everett (Patrick Dempsey), a wisecracking radio host; Courtney (Moira Kelly), who is immature and sex-obsessed; and the studious nerd Jeff (Josh Hamilton). Simon becomes something of a father figure to Monty, argues history with Professor Pitkannan, and provides an earthy balance to the overly academic viewpoint of the students. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
Critic Reviews
Austin Kennedy, Sin Magazine
This movie is predictable from scene one, though that wouldn't be a problem if it had a good script, good performances and solid direction. But it doesn't.
More...
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A politically correct, vastly sentimental and ultimately insincere saga of the friendship between a kind homeless man, played by Joe Pesci, and a guilt-ridden Harvard student, played byBrendan Frazer.
More...
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Obviously inspired by the success of Scent of a Woman, this one could have been called Scent of a Bum.
More...
Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
Do you amuse me, Joe Pesci? No, you do not.
More...
Fred Topel, About.com
Well meaning drama but oversimplifies a lot and plays the death card too easily.
More...
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
One of the few films I've ever walked out on. Pesci and Fraser serve up unsympathetic and grating characters.
More...
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A shaggy dog drama about the education of one upwardly bound college student.
More...
