Shazam!
High Life
Widows
The Walking Dead
Log in with Facebook
OR
By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango.
Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password.
We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified.
Please reference “Error Code 2121” when contacting customer service.
Back to School gives Rodney Dangerfield plenty of room to riff -- and supports the freewheeling funnyman with enough of a story to keep things interesting between punchlines.
All Critics (34) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (5) | DVD (4)
The vibes, here, are all wrong, and Dangerfield's unique timing is disrupted in most scenes. Aug 1, 2013 | Full Review…
The vibes, here, are all wrong, and Dangerfield's unique timing is disrupted in most scenes.
Jay Boyar
I mean no disrespect to Rodney Dangerfield in suggesting that Back to School is a comedy that belongs back on the drawing board. Aug 1, 2013 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
I mean no disrespect to Rodney Dangerfield in suggesting that Back to School is a comedy that belongs back on the drawing board.
Desmond Ryan
Dangerfield seems to be setting the film's brisk pace and flawless timing himself. Aug 1, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Dangerfield seems to be setting the film's brisk pace and flawless timing himself.
Kevin Thomas
In this very funny Rodney Dangerfield comedy, there has been an important shift in Rodney's entertainment persona, a shift that has made this small film a monster hit. Jan 16, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
In this very funny Rodney Dangerfield comedy, there has been an important shift in Rodney's entertainment persona, a shift that has made this small film a monster hit.
Gene Siskel
It's a good character for Dangerfield, one that veers him away from the 'I don't get no respect' pathos that comes too easily to him, and enough attention is paid to the minimal plot to integrate Dangerfield's classically constructed one-liners. Feb 27, 2008 | Full Review…
It's a good character for Dangerfield, one that veers him away from the 'I don't get no respect' pathos that comes too easily to him, and enough attention is paid to the minimal plot to integrate Dangerfield's classically constructed one-liners.
Dave Kehr
[An] acceptable time-passer. Jan 26, 2006 | Full Review…
[An] acceptable time-passer.
This guilty-pleasure comedy works best as a cinematic time capsule for the unique comic stylings of the late Rodney Dangerfield. Sep 27, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…
This guilty-pleasure comedy works best as a cinematic time capsule for the unique comic stylings of the late Rodney Dangerfield.
Leigh Paatsch
Well-written, tightly-edited triviality, with really likable characters and actors working hard to make it seem pointlessly easy. May 15, 2018 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Well-written, tightly-edited triviality, with really likable characters and actors working hard to make it seem pointlessly easy.
Tim Brayton
Classic '80s comedy has lots of profanity, innuendo. Jun 17, 2014 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Classic '80s comedy has lots of profanity, innuendo.
Brian Costello
Dangerfield proves once again why he's one of the funniest men on screen. Aug 1, 2013 | Full Review…
Dangerfield proves once again why he's one of the funniest men on screen.
Candice Russell
Back to School is furious fun. Aug 1, 2013 | Full Review…
Back to School is furious fun.
Joe Baltake
The profoundly strange presence of Rodney Dangerfield triumphs over sloppy writing and lumpy editing in this sometimes raunchy farce. Aug 1, 2013 | Full Review…
The profoundly strange presence of Rodney Dangerfield triumphs over sloppy writing and lumpy editing in this sometimes raunchy farce.
David Sterritt
Rodney Dangerfield is one of the greatest stand up comedians ever. His timing and delivery are simply perfect. This films shows that he also had some great acting talent. Nothing that pushes him too far, but certainly enough to propel the story along. Dangerfield decides to attend his son's college to help his son through the hard times. Obviously they each learn a little about each other along the way. There are many sequences and characters you will be familiar with, but Dangerfield is particularly lovable. He's supported by a strong supporting cast. The best moments are when Dangerfield proves himself as more than just a one-liner comedian.
Super Reviewer
A very funny, but somewhat stupid, comedy starring Dangerfield. There are a couple of really funny jokes, but there are also some not very funny jokes. My favourite part is when Oingo Boingo plays at the party.
Rodney Dangerfield at the top of his game, giving out laughs and a heartfelt father/son story. The premise is hilarious in itself, but the execution of it is what really makes it great. Kieth Gordon is a great straight man to the very lively and over the top nature of his onscreen father. Robert Downey Jr. also plays a pretty hilarious rendition of Robert Smith going to college part time. I like how this criticizes the the college experiences as well as romanticizing it.
Not sure why, but this Rodney Dangerfield film actually improves with repeated viewings. Classic 80s comedy.
View All Quotes
View All