On F List of Movie Reviews
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The Freshman (1990)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
7/03, 7/08
7/08:
The Freshman is an above-average picture that's ingenious for reusing Marlon Brando as the Godfather.
The plot isn't bad but can be tedious at times. The outcome is weird to believe, but at least, the performances are enough
to overcome it. Marlon Brando is fun to watch while Matthew Broderick, in a strange yet intriguing way, slowly becomes
like Michael Corleone. By the way, I like the moment when the former is cracking walnuts to arouse fear in the latter.
Bruno Kirby, who's another figure from The Godfather saga, is a pain to stomach. Ditto for Frank Whaley. Penelope Ann
Miller is okay herself. I love Paul Benedict who plays the pseudo all-knowing movie buff. I'm just marveled with how he's
used for the purpose of The Godfather tie-in; it's brilliant.
The only reason why I remember Komodo dragon is due to this movie. In fact, every time I go to the zoo, I have the easiest time
identifying the rare animal. That's why I like films like that, so I can learn about unusual things and not forget.
All in all, without Marlon Brando, there's no The Freshman, period.