The Freshman

1990, Comedy, 1h 42m

50 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Buoyed by the charm of Matthew Broderick in the title role and Marlon Brando as a caricature of his Godfather persona, The Freshman benefits from solid casting, a clever premise, and sweet humor. Read critic reviews

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The Freshman Photos

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Movie Info

Clark Kellogg (Matthew Broderick) is robbed moments after arriving in New York, so when he sees his mugger several days later, he confronts him. The man promises to return his property and get him a job with his uncle, Carmine Sabatini (Marlon Brando), who turns out to be a Mafia boss. As Clark continues his shady work for Carmine, he discovers an elaborate underworld that has caught the attention of the authorities. As things come to a head, not everything is what it seems.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    Comedy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Andrew Bergman
  • Producer:
    Mike Lobell
  • Writer:
    Andrew Bergman
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $20.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Stereo, Dolby
  • Aspect Ratio:
    35mm

Cast & Crew

Marlon Brando
Carmine Sabatini aka Jimmy The Tucan
Matthew Broderick
Clark Kellogg, Narrator
Bruno Kirby
Victor Ray, Carmine's Nephew
Penelope Ann Miller
Tina Sabatini
Frank Whaley
Steve Bushak, Clark's Roommate
Jon Polito
Agent Chuck Greenwald, Dept. of Justice Fish & Game Division
Paul Benedict
Arthur Fleeber, NYU Professor, Clark's Faculty Advisor
Richard Gant
Agent Lloyd Simpson, Dept. of Justice Fish & Game Division
Kenneth Welsh
Dwight Armstrong, Clark's Step-father
Pamela Payton-Wright
Liz Armstrong
BD Wong
Edward
Andrew Bergman
Director
Andrew Bergman
Writer
Mike Lobell
Producer
Michael MacDonald
Line Producer
David Newman
Original Music
William A. Fraker
Cinematography
Barry Malkin
Film Editing
Mike Fenton
Casting
Lynda Gordon
Casting
Karen Hazzard
Casting
Judy Taylor
Casting
Ken Adam
Production Design
Alicia Keywan
Art Director
Gordon Sim
Set Decoration
Julie Weiss
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The Freshman

All Critics (50) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (3)
Full Review… John Hartl Seattle Times Full Review… Desmond Ryan Philadelphia Inquirer Full Review… Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel Full Review… Peter Rainer Los Angeles Times Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Tribune Full Review… Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Full Review… Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Full Review… Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Full Review… Tom Meek Cambridge Day Full Review… Bruce C. Steele OutWeek Full Review… Roger Hurlburt South Florida Sun-Sentinel Full Review… Tom Hutchinson Radio Times
View All Critic Reviews (50)

Audience Reviews for The Freshman

  • Mar 22, 2015
    A classic movie I have only just got around to seeing. They don't make films like this anymore. Great performance from Marlon Brando playing off his Godfather role and some good humour and well developed plot make this an enjoyable watch.
    Ian W Super Reviewer
  • Apr 09, 2013
    A clever plot that is only enhanced due to Brando's satiric presence, 'The Freshman' is an enjoyable film whose jokes may fall flat most of the time, but still exudes a charm that makes it worthy of our time.
    Kase V Super Reviewer
  • Sep 14, 2011
    Brando spoofs his Godfather role ... that's the draw in this light fah-gettahboutit comedy that has a small town yoot (Broderick, serviceable) visit da Big Apple for the first time --- as a film student at NYU. And what film are they studying? Try ta guess, or y'sleep wit' duh fishes, yo! Bruno Kirby is good as our tour guide, or else ... what could happen wrong? You could refuse dis offer but it wouldn't look good if you did, capeesh?
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jun 06, 2011
    an innocent, and funny godfather like comedy with matthew brodrick at his best, and marlon at his greatest. A
    Juan C Super Reviewer
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