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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 (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $20.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    TriStar Pictures
  • 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 E. Gant
Agent Lloyd Simpson, Dept. of Justice Fish & Game Division
Kenneth Welsh
Dwight Armstrong, Clark's Step-father
Pamela Payton-Wright
Liz Armstrong
Andrew Bergman
Director
Andrew Bergman
Writer
Mike Lobell
Producer
Michael MacDonald
Line Producer
David Newman
Original Music
William A. Fraker
Cinematographer
Barry Malkin
Film Editor
Mike Fenton
Casting
Lynda Gordon
Casting
Karen Hazzard
Casting
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News & Interviews for The Freshman

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Critic Reviews for The Freshman

All Critics (50) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (3)

  • Andrew Bergman's The Freshman is a charmed comedy, the kind of seemingly effortless movie in which everything falls neatly into place, as if ordained by nature.

    August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    John Hartl

    Seattle Times

  • Brando does a wonderful sendup of Corleone that manages to play off the Don's entrenched place in pop culture. But The Freshman is no copycat comedy.

    August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Desmond Ryan

    Philadelphia Inquirer

  • Though writer-director Andrew Bergman sets up potentially funny situations, the payoffs aren't nearly as clever as they need to be. Many situations don't pay off at all.

    August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Jay Boyar

    Orlando Sentinel

  • Just when you've had it with the mistimed scenes and the clunky direction, writer-director Andrew Bergman comes through with an inspired piece of lunacy.

    August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Rainer

    Los Angeles Times

  • It's the kind of material that could easily fly apart into silliness, yet Brando and Broderick help the director to keep it anchored in a certain emotional reality, which is always the source of the richest comedy.

    August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Tribune

  • Marlon Brando returns to the movies with one of his funniest performances as, in essence, Don Corleone with a screw loose.

    August 1, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Gene Siskel

    Chicago Tribune
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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