Review of The Freshman

Throughout my entire lifetime I've attended hundreds of hall events. Weddings, Sweet 16, Graduations, Baby Naming's and Bar/Bat Mitzvah's. The celebrations that still stands out in my fondest memory, another words, my favorite affairs had extraordinary musical entertainment as the main event, the center attraction. Besides the scrumptious cuisine at these catered affairs, choosing your musical entertainment can make or break a party.. This is essential in keeping your guests involved, engaged in this joyous occasion. The Freshman starts off in Rural Vermont as an inspiring film student Clark Kellogg (Matthew Broderick) is off to the big city as he leaves his highly skeptical Environmental activist Step Dad, (Kenneth Walsh). Clark's arrives in New York. He is met by this convincing, fast talking Victor Ray (Bruno Kirby) who offers him a ride. When Clark gets out of the car Vic drives off with Clark's belonging's. Clark's first class is taught by a egomaniac, self proclaimed author Professor Fleeber (Paul Benedict). while being ridiculed for being unprepared, Clark sees Victor passing by. Clark gives chase and catches up with the two bit thief. Victor promises to return Clark's belonging on the condition he meets with his Uncle downtown to do some kind of favor. Clark is introduced by Uncle Carmine Sabatini played by the quintessential Mafia clad icon Marlon Brando. All I saw personally was a reprise of Vito Corleone. A few pound heavier but the voice and cadence were identical. Uncle Carmine offers Clark an opportunity to make a lot of money doing small errands. Clark and his roommate Steve (Frank Whaley) to go to JFK airport and pick up a huge Lizard.. the rare and near extinction, Komodo Dragon and deliver it to London Lennie (Maximilian Shell) in a obscure address. Clark is also introduced by Carmine's daughter Tina (Penelope Ann Miller) who is attracted to Clark. Tina has taken to Clark instantaneously as if she's ready to marry him. Later during film class Clark is being watched by two Department of Justice agents Jon Polito and Richard Gant. Clark is caught and questioned as the agents tell Clark that the he's working for a Mafia boss and the dragon he transported will be eaten at a Supper club in a rural location. The Hook for me in this movie is the Charm and calming personality Brando portrayed playing Uncle Carmine. The aloofness and carefree attitude of supporting actors Bruno Kirby and Penelope Ann Miller against the anguish and uncertainty of Matthew Broderick's character. A far cry from the over confident Ferris Bueller role, Broderick mastered earlier in his career. As for the banquet scenes that personally garnered my attention. This brought back fond memories of Bar-Mitzvah's past dancing in my head. Bert Parks Stole the pictures as the band leader and crooner. Our party's entertainment kicks off with Bert's rendition of Tiquila which was originally performed by The Champs. To reach that certain ambiance, Bert is donning a Mexican sombrero and miroccas. On to the next number as you hold you dance partner even closer as Bert singing so eloquently his own version of Mona Lisa. I totally lost it when Bert sang Bob Dylan's Maggie's Farm. In truth a preposterous picture but there are basic elements that hold this film together as personalty can go along way. After the completion of the movie Brando was embarrassed by his performance taking a chance using his Don Corleone character. In an Interview with the Toronto Globe, Brando claimed the movie was trash and wanted to retire from acting. A few days later Brando quickly retracted his statement claiming," This movie might be alright after all." The magic of Brando throughout his distinguished career was walking the tight rope of character deviations. Luckily this time it worked without tarnishing his Godfather role.